REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Department of Education
PUBLIC TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL
HIGH SCHOOLS

COMPETENCY-BASED
LEARNING MATERIAL
FOURTH YEAR

HORTICULTURE NC II
Unit of Competency: PRODUCE FRUIT-BEARING CROPS
Module No. 3 Module Title: TRANSPLANTING OF SEEDLINGS

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 MODULE III

QUALIFICATION TITLE : HORTICULTURE NC II

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRODUCE FRUIT-
BEARING CROPS
MODULE TITLE : TRANSPLANTING OF
SEEDLINGS
NOMINAL DURATION : 70 HOURS

WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?

This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in

transplanting seedlings. It includes applying of basal fertilizer,
transplanting of seedlings and taking of the transplanted seedlings.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Upon the completion of the module, you should be able to:
1. apply basal fertilizers;
2. transplant seedlings; and
3. take care and manage the transplanted seedlings.

WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?

Pre-Test:

Read carefully and answer each of the questions below. Select the
best answer from the choices given. Write the LETTER only of your
answer on your quiz notebook.
1. Which of the following best describes an organic fertilizer?
a. decomposed plant and animal wastes
b. any organic or inorganic material of any natural or synthetic
origin which is added to the soil for plant growth
c. does not contain organic material
d. all of the above

2. What refers to the practice of gradually or exposing the seedlings to

full sunlight at least a week before transplanting?
a. roguing c. hardening
b. pricking d. transplanting

3. What is the process of transferring the seedlings from the nursery

to the field?
a. pricking c. transplanting
b. roguing d. hardening

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4. Which of the following is not a proper way of handling planting
materials?
a. lifting c. mud pudding
b. trimming d. hardening

5. Which is NOT true about fertilizers?

a. made up of decomposed plant and animal wastes
b. material added to the soil to supply plant food element
c. inorganic material of synthetic origin added to the soil to
improve plant growth
d. none of these

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LESSON 1

APPLY BASAL FERTILIZERS

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals with the application of basal fertilizer and

methods of transplanting fruit bearing seedlings.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. apply basal fertilizer at the correct rate before transplanting the
seedlings; and
2. develop diligence in applying basal fertilizers.

LET US STUDY

Let us define
fertilizer – organic or inorganic compound added to the soil to supply
nutrient elements for the normal growth of plants
organic fertilizer – fertilizer derived from plants and animals
inorganic fertilizer – fertilizers derived from minerals, atmospheric gases,
water and other materials
A fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material of natural or
synthetic origin which is added to the soil to supply certain elements
essential to plant growth. Fertilizer materials are used to increase growth
rate, yield and quality or nutrition value of plants.
As a rule, no fertilizer is needed at the time of planting. However, if
the area or field is depleted, basal application of organic fertilizer is
practiced. The organic fertilizer is placed at the bottom of the hole mixed
with previously removed top soil from the hole. If the area or field is
newly opened, applying basal fertilizer is no longer needed. This is
because the field that is newly opened for planting fruit-bearing crops is
very fertile.
After the first crop has become established and growth has begun,
apply a small amount of soluble nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial. This
fertilizer should be applied around the crop, about 15 to 30 cm from the
trunk. When poor growth is observed during the use of nitrogen, only
then should the other elements be used. Soil specialists in the locality
should be consulted for the best fertilizer suited to the crop but it would
be even better if we get advice from fruit-bearing crop growers in the
locality.

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LET US REMEMBER

The amount and kind of fertilizer to be added to the soil depend

primarily on the nutrient requirement of the crop and the amount of
nutrient the soil can supply.

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Read and understand the questions below. Write your answers in

your quiz notebook.
1. Differentiate organic from inorganic fertilizers. (2 points)
2. When do you apply basal fertilizers to fruit-bearing crops? (1 point)
3. Why is there a need to apply basal fertilizer to fruit-bearing crops?
(2 points)

LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

1. Prepare the materials to be used in applying fertilizer.

2. Proceed to the practical training area of your school and perform
fertilizer application based on the methods you have learned.

RESOURCES

fertilizer trowel
plastic containers pail
rake field

REFERENCES

Technology and Home Economics (SEDP Series)

Public School Edition
First Edition 1991
Agriculture and Fishery Technology
Plant and Crop Productions (SEDP Series)
Technology and Home Economics
Agriculture Arts (SEDP-NSEC Series)
Philippine Copyright 1992
Abiva Publishing House Inc
Technology and Home Economics
Agriculture and Fishing Technology
Plant and Crop Production

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LESSON 2

TRANSPLANT SEEDLINGS

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals with transplanting of seedlings. It includes proper

handling of seedlings, methods and procedures in transplanting
seedlings.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. observe proper handling of seedlings;
2. transplant seedlings properly;
3. practice the procedure in transplanting; and
4. appreciate transplanting of fruit-bearing tree seedlings.

LET US STUDY

Let us Define

transplanting – the process of transferring the seedlings from the nursery

to the field or to their permanent places in the field
seeds – fertilized and ripened ovule which may develop into a plant by
germination
hardening – the practice of gradually exposing the seedlings to full
sunlight at least a week before transplanting
blocking – the process of trimming the damaged roots of seedlings

Transporting of Seedlings

Seedlings should be given the proper care when transporting.

Always place the seedlings in a packing material or any available material
to avoid damage. When transporting seedlings from the nursery to the
planting site some considerations are to be followed like keeping the roots
moist and the tops dry. Keep as much soil on the roots as possible and
settle the soil around it. Seedlings should be provided with shade like
banana leaf or any available material that may keep them from direct
sunlight while transporting. Handle the seedlings carefully before and
after transporting to avoid bruising or breaking.

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 After the soil has been prepared and the field laid out, staked and
holes dug, the next step is to transplant the seedlings. Prior to
transplanting, the application of basal fertilizer is done especially to areas
that are depleted with nutrients. Newly developed areas or fields,
however, do not need basal application of fertilizer in the sense that there
is a lot of accumulated organic matter in the field.
Organic matter such as chicken, horse, rabbit, cow and other
animal manures make an excellent soil conditioner aside from their
function to supply the essential plant food nutrients.

Transplanting of Seedlings

Take enough time when planting seedlings. It is cheaper to spend

plenty of time in planting than to repeat the process because of careless
planting. Seedlings should be hardened at least a week before they are
transplanted to obtain good lead start for the plants.

When to Plant

For best yields and quality of products, planting crop requires a

correct season of the year and time of the day in places where there is no
irrigation or water supply.
Generally, permanent crops are best planted during the rainy
season. Whenever planting materials are available it would be better to
set the plants after the first rain of the rainy season. Early planting gives
ample chance for the plants to develop a good root system before the
beginning of the dry season; thereby, mortality due to the effects of
drought is minimized. However, if planting will be done in the backyards,
only small scale planting is done any time of the year. The grower can
afford to water the newly set seedlings and can provide shade if
necessary.
In the first module, you already have studied the methods of
digging holes to set the fruit bearing tree seedlings.

Procedure in Transplanting

1. Water the seedlings in seed box or seed bed before the seedlings
are pulled out so that the soil will be loosened and the seedlings
will not suffer from many broken roots.
2. Dig a shallow hole in the soil with the aid of a small bolo, trowel or
stick.
3. Place the seedling carefully into the hole of the same depth as it
was in the seed box or seed bed without disturbing the ball of earth
around the roots, or set it a little deeper than when it was in the
seed box.
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 4. Cover the hole until the mound of earth is formed around the stem.
5. Press down the soil with the hand carefully.
6. Water the newly transplanted seedlings immediately.

Proper Handling of Planting Materials

1. Lifting. Water the seedlings first. Then lift the seedling with the aid
of a trowel, shovel or similar tools.

2. Trimming. Cut or trim one half of each leaf to lessen transpiration.

Do not cut the leaves too close to the stem. An equal reduction is
made in the shoot and roots.

3. Mud pudding. This is done to

protect the roots of seedlings from
drying after they are lifted and
trimmed.

a. Make a hole and fill it with water.

b. Add pulverized soil into the hole and mix them thoroughly until
the mixture is like a thick paint.
c. Dip the roots of seedlings in the mixture to coat the roots with
mud.
4. Packing. Banana leaf sheath and gunny sack may be used in
packing the seedlings.

a. Banana leaf sheath

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 b. Gunnysack

Dibbling

Planting is done with the help of a dibble or any pointed tool that
can be used to make holes in the soil. The process is called dibbling.
Steps in dibbling:
1. Plunge dibble at an angle, then push forward to upright position.
2. Place seedling against flat side of a planting hole.
3. Plunge dibble into ground three inches from seedling.
4. Pull handle of dibble to firm the soil at the bottom of the roots.
5. Push handle of dibble forward to pack the soil at the top of the
roots.

6. Plunge dibble into the ground three inches from the last hole to
close hole.
7. Fill the last hole by tramping the soil with your heel.
8. Stamp your feet around the seedling to eliminate air pockets.

Planting Potted or Balled Seedlings

1. Remove the pots before setting them. Take care not to break ball or
earth enclosing the root system.

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 2. Make a hole big enough to contain the seedlings with its ball of
earth.
3. Set plant with its ball of earth. Fill empty spaces thoroughly.
4. Level off soil around the stem of the plants.

LET US REMEMBER

General Rules in Transplanting Seedlings

1. The roots of seedlings should be planted deep enough so as not to

be reached by the downward drying of the soil during the summer
months.
2. The root collar should be approximately in the same position as it
was in the nursery. In planting, give allowance for the soil
recession.
3. The root system should be given as much space as possible so that
the position of the roots is almost the same as it was in the
nursery. Roots should not be curled upward. For bigger seedlings
with long top roots and wide-spreading lateral roots, make deeper
and wider holes.
4. Set the seedling on mounds when planting in an area with poor
drainage.
5. Set the seedlings below the general level of the soil when planting
in an arid area. Use small canals, trenches or furrows.
6. Use only the best and freshest soil without undecomposed organic
matter in filling the holes above the roots.
7. Make a step-like niche inclining towards the slope when planting
along the slope. The seedlings should be planted in the middle of
the niche.
8. Set only one plant in one hole except under certain conditions for
beautification, and soil control, and if the capacity of one plant to
survive is doubtful.
9. The trees should be planted erectly and the soil around the roots
should be thoroughly made firm.
10. It is most economical to use the smallest seedlings provided. They
will be able to survive on the plantation.

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HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

A. Fill in the blanks with a word or group of words to complete the

sentence.
1. After the soil has been prepared, staked and holes dug, the next
activity is to _________ the seedlings.
2. The process of transferring the seedlings from the nursery to their
permanent places in the field is called _________.
3. _________ is gradually exposing the seedlings to full sunlight at
least a week before transplanting.
4. The best time to transplant seedlings is during the _________.
B. Arrange the steps in transplanting fruit-bearing seedlings by
numbering them chronologically.
1. Dig a shallow hole in the soil with the aid of a small bolo, trowel or
stick.
2. Hold the plant to stand erect.
3. Water the seedlings in seed box or seed bed before the seedlings
are pulled out so that the soil will be loosened and the seedlings
will not suffer from many broken roots.
4. Press down the soil with the hand carefully so as not to break
roots.
5. Water the newly transplanted seedlings immediately.
6. Place the seedling carefully into the hole of the same depth as it
was in the seed box or seed bed without disturbing the ball of earth
around the roots, or set it at a little deeper than what it was in the
seed box.
7. Cover the hole until the mound of earth is formed around the stem.

LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Proceed to the school nursery and prepare the materials or tools to

be used in transplanting. Perform transplanting of seedlings following the
correct methods and procedures you have learned.

RESOURCES

seedlings
trowel
sprinkler
packing materials
materials for shading the seedlings
field or site selected for transplanted seedlings

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REFERENCES

Technology and Home Economics II

Agricultural Arts
Abiva Publishing House Inc.
American Horticultural Society: Gardening Manual
Dorling Kindersley Publishing Inc, 2000
Copyright
Home and School Vegetables Gardening
Copyright 1988
by Aquilino R. Rivera

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LESSON 3

TAKE CARE AND MANAGE TRANSPLANTED SEEDLINGS

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals with the care and management of transplanted

seedlings.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. irrigate the transplanted seedlings thoroughly;
2. make a tree guard for the transplanted seedlings; and
3. develop resourcefulness and industry.

LET US STUDY

Let us Define

seedling – a young plant grown from a seed

weeds – plants that grow in places where they are not wanted and
become troublesome
irrigation – the supply of water to the soil
After transplanting the seedlings, give immediate attention to
protect the young plants from astray animals that eat their leaves and
stems by making a tree guard. However, is not an absolute guarantee
that your plants will be safe from animals.
Irrigation is also a very essential factor in the life of newly
transplanted seedlings. Irrigate the newly transplanted seedlings daily,
preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Methods of Irrigation

1. Furrow irrigation. It is a practical method where sufficient volume

of water is supplied to the farm by means of shallow canals in
between rows.
2. Sprinkler irrigation. It is the overhead irrigation where water is
applied to the plants in a fine mist.

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Cultivation and Weeding

The growth of weeds is a serious problem in newly transplanted

seedlings. They do not only compete with the young plants for the
available plant food and water in the soil but also serve as alternate host
of major pests and diseases of the young plants. Cultivate the soil around
the young trees. Weeding may be done simultaneously.

Conditions for Good Cultivation

1. Cultivation should be made where the soil is just moist but not too
wet. An ordinary hoe or trowel should be used for cultivating the
soil around the plant.
2. Cultivation should always be shallow. Deep cultivation is quite
harmful to the shallow roots of the plant.
3. Cultivation should be done as the need arises.

Application of Fertilizer

Start applying either complete or nitrogenous fertilizer at planting

time by side-dressing method or ring method. Whenever necessary, apply
the transplanted seedlings with the right kind and amount of fertilizer.

Control of Insect Pests and Diseases

Biological and sound management practices should be made an

integral part of the overall control strategy. Apply pesticide or insecticide
to the plant wherever it is needed to control insect pests and diseases
that may infest it.

Tree Guards

Tree guards are necessary right after seedlings are transplanted.

The size of the tree guard depends upon the height of the growing
seedlings.

Procedures in Making Tree Guards

Materials needed
o 4 pieces vertical post (wood) – 2" × 2" × 4 feet
o 8 pieces horizontal bar – 1" × 2" × 20"
o 32 pieces nail

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 Tools needed
o bolo/cross cut saw
o hammer
o crowbar
o sledge hammer
Steps in Constructing a Tree Guard
1. Prepare all the materials and tools.
2. Cut the wood according to specified size.
3. Sharpen the end of each four posts.
4. Nail the eight pieces of horizontal bars, two (2) pieces on each side.
Space the horizontal bar as needed.
5. Nail the bar on the post.
6. Dig four holes around the plants. See to it that the guard is
securely staked at the ground.

LET US REMEMBER

Growing seedlings should be well protected and properly cared for

until they are fully grown.

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Answer the following questions briefly.

1. How do you care for newly transplanted seedlings? (5 points)
2. Enumerate the materials needed in constructing tree guards. (5
points)

LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Construct and place tree guards to your newly transplanted

seedlings.

RESOURCES

sprinkler bolo
water pump wood
crowbar tie wire
hammer cross cut saw
nails posts

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REFERENCES

Technology and Home Economics

Agricultural Arts (SEDP-NSEC Series)
Philippine Copyright 1992
Abiva Publishing House Inc.
Effective Technology and Home Economics
Copyright 2000
Adriana Publishing Co. Inc.

15
POST-TEST:

Read carefully and answer each of the questions below. Select the
best answer from the choices given. Write only the LETTER of the correct
answer in your quiz notebook.
1. Which is NOT true about fertilizers?
a. It is made up of decomposed plant and animal wastes.
b. It is a material added to the soil to supply plant food element.
c. It is an inorganic material of synthetic origin added to the soil to
minimize plant growth.
d. None of these.
2. Which of the following best describes an organic fertilizer?
a. It contains decomposed plant and animal wastes
b. It is any organic or inorganic material of any natural or
synthetic origin
c. It does not contain organic material
d. all of the above
3. The process of transferring the seedlings from the nursery to the
field is
a. pricking c. transplanting
b. rouging d. hardening
4. The practice of gradually exposing the seedlings to full sunlight at
least a week before transplanting is
a. rouging c. hardening
b. pricking d. transplanting
5. Which of the following is not a proper handling of planting
materials?
a. lifting c. mud pudding
b. trimming d. hardening

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS
PAGE

MODULE 3. Transplanting of seedlings........................ 1

What is this module about?.................................. 1

What will you learn?............................................. 1
What do you already know?.................................. 1

LESSON 1.Apply basal fertilizer.................. ................. 3

What is this lesson about?................................... 3

What will you learn?............................................ 3
Let us study......................................................... 3
Let us remember.................................................. 4
How much have you learned................................ 4
Let us apply what you have learned..................... 4
Resources............................................................ 4
References........................................................... 4

LESSON 2. Transplant seedlings................................. 5

What is this lesson about?.................................... 5

What will you learn?............................................. 5
Let us study.......................................................... 5
Let us remember................................................... 9
How much have you learned................................. 9
Let us apply what you have learned...................... 9
Resources............................................................. 10
References............................................................ 11

LESSON 3. Take care and manages transplanted

Seedlings.................................................... 12

What is this lesson about?..................................... 12

What will you learn?.............................................. 12
Let us study........................................................... 12
Let us remember................................................... 14
How much have you learned.................................. 14
Let us apply what you have learned....................... 14

17
Resources.............................................................. 14
References............................................................. 15
Post test................................................................ 16

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