Sow |

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.

Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs.

Perennial

Preparation

Remember to save old seed packets when sowing, they are useful for wall displays, crop planning and activities like this one. Ask around if anyone else has spare or old seed packets.

Refer to the seed sowing glossary to assist with this activity.

Equipment

• Old seed packets (look for those with pictorial instructions)
• Paper and pencils

1. Ask your group to read their seed packets carefully. With younger members choose packets with a calendar and ask them to describe the pictures on their packet
2. Discuss any words that are new to them or are used in a different way
3. Use the seed glossary term list to find out what some of the terms mean
4. Record the key information needed to sow the seeds, searching for the answers on the seed packet or in books and internet sources
5. Test each other’s garden jargon knowledge by swapping over seed packets

• Laminating the seed packets makes them more durable and can be used by many groups
• Try not to tear across the text when opening seed packets