Fruit juice carton seed trays

Learning objectives:

Seed | Tray | Germination

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light.

| Drainage | Compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

| Recycle | Watering | Growth

Preparation

• Invite students to bring empty fruit juice or milk cartons from home for this activity
• Ensure items are clean before use
• Identify a suitable place for the seed trays to be placed to aid germination
  

  Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light.

  . Somewhere warm and sunny

Equipment

• An empty 1 litre fruit juice or milk carton
• Marker pen
• Scissors
• Peat-free compost
  

  Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

• Seeds - lettuce, rocket or soft herbs such as chives, coriander or basil, as easy starters
• Recycled or reusable clear plastic bag
• Watering can (have a go at our recycled milk bottle watering can )

1. Place the carton on its side. Using the marker pen, draw a rectangle along the side panel of the carton, leaving a small border around each side
2. Cut out the rectangle with the scissors and put the cut panel to one side to use as a label
3. Fill the carton with peat-free compost
   

   Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

   , making sure that the surface of the compost is flat. If you are using small seeds, water the soil before sowing to prevent the water from moving the seeds around. If sowing larger seeds, you can water after sowing
4. Sow seeds onto the surface of the compost and cover them with a thin layer of compost
5. If sowing larger seeds, water now, ensuring the compost is wet
6. Cover the carton with a recycled or reusable clear plastic bag. This aids germination , helping the seed to grow, and reduces water loss through evaporation
7. Place the carton in a warm sunny spot such as a windowsill or in a greenhouse until the seeds have germinated. You can then prick out the seedlings
   

   A seedling is a young plant grown from seed.

   to grow on

• For safety, adult support will be needed when making the initial cut into the carton
• Use the cut panel as a plant label
• Use a permanent marker or chalk pen to write the label with so that the writing doesn’t wash off
• Slip the seed packet into the end of the carton to remind you of the growing instructions