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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Research propagation requirements for the permaculture system
   • Assess propagation needs according to garden needs or permaculture design
   • Consider opportunities for propagation from local area, such as seed banks, tree or shrub prunings, unusual varieties to be traded or varieties purchased for propagation
   • Determine numbers of new plants to be produced for the needs of the system and/or for swapping, selling or community needs
2. Develop the propagation plan
   • Prepare a propagation plan according to research undertaken
   • Ascertain best methods for species to be propagated and include them in the propagation plan
   • Construct a seasonal or monthly timeline or calendar to keep track of propagation requirements
   • Maintain the propagation plan as an active document through the seasons
3. Implementing the propagation plan
   • Consult the propagation plan when planning monthly activities
   • Clear space in the propagating area for the activity to be undertaken
   • Set up materials and equipment for propagation work
   • Organise propagules and apply pre-treatments if required
   • Create new plants in prepared containers or the garden area according to the propagation plan
   • Water, fertilise, label, mulch, stake and tie new plants as required
4. Maintaining propagated plants to end use
   • Maintain new plants by watering, sheltering and checking for pest or disease attack
   • Remove any new plants that have failed to thrive to avoid cross-contamination
   • Apply allowable organic treatments to new plants if required
   • Harden off new plants in a protected place before planting, selling or swapping
5. Maintain a healthy and orderly propagation area
   • Maintain tidiness and orderliness of propagating area
   • Store propagating materials, potting media and containers for future use
   • Remove any weed or moss growth regularly to ensure basic hygiene of the propagating and hardening off spaces

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

research propagation requirements for the permaculture system

develop a propagation plan

implement a propagation plan

maintain propagated plants to maturity or end use

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture principles and practices related to propagation

using reclaimed or reused containers (suitably cleaned to avoid cross-contamination)

labelling systems using reclaimed materials

maintaining rare and unusual varieties

using edges and valuing the marginal – unusual plants in micro-climates

sharing and swapping to increase biodiversity and mutual wellbeing

preserving provenance of locally indigenous species

testing and trialling for new plants or resistant varieties

global food plant preservation, including seed saving

propagation plan including such considerations as:

seasonal activities

seed saving

needs of the system for plants

mother plant location and frequency of use

schedules and timelines

principles of sustainable horticultural practices

propagation techniques, such as:

cuttings – softwood, hardwood, semi-hardwood, root and tip

layering – stool, aerial and runner

division

grafting – whip and tongue, saddle, wedge, approach and bench

budding – shield and patch

seed sowing

potting media suitable for propagation in a garden setting, such as

compost and worm casting mixes

sieved and graded sands

blends used for different purposes or different times of the year

sphagnum moss

water (hydroponics or aquaponics)

plant growth, development and nutrition

botany and physiology

maintaining moisture levels in simple systems without causing disease

systems for protecting new plants and seedlings, such as:

polyhouse or shade-house systems, including hoop systems on garden beds

systems using reclaimed materials, such as bag-and-frame cloches, bottle protectors for seedlings, tyre stacks, birdcages and wire baskets

glass houses

shade houses

naturally occurring or planned microclimates

minimal environmental impact waste disposal and composting systems which destroy pathogens

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