This unit applies to transplanting established plants with developed root systems sown from seed, from cuttings, layering, growing on tissue cultured plants, division or splitting, spores, cloning, and budding or grafting into larger appropriate sized containers of growing media. Potting up involves working within routine methods and procedures under supervision with intermittent checking. Responsibility for some roles and co-ordination within a team may be required.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for potting up operations

1.1. Workplace information is interpreted and clarified according to instructions.

1.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and reported to the supervisor.

1.3. Tools and equipment for potting up are selected and used according to documented guidelines.

1.4. Work area is cleaned and disinfected according to company hygiene practices.

1.5. Materials are collected and checked to ensure sufficient quantity and quality for potting up operations.

2. Prepare growing media

2.1. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.

2.2. Media components are measured and mixed according to documented guidelines.

2.3. Growing media is tested to ensure the product complies with media specifications.

3. Pot up propagated plants

3.1. Plants are prepared for potting in accordance with enterprise guidelines.

3.2. Plants are graded during the potting process according to quality specifications.

3.3. Media level in pots is adjusted to produce a well-furnished plant according to documented guidelines.

3.4. Placement and depth of plants comply with the planting method and plan.

3.5. Potting operations are carried out according to written OHS requirements.

4. Complete potting up operation

4.1. Plants are watered in to eliminate air pockets and prevent dehydration.

4.2. Cleaning procedures are performed and hygiene practices followed according to enterprise guidelines.

4.3. Waste is collected and disposed of or recycled to minimise damage to the external environment.

4.4. Records of potting up operations are maintained in the appropriate format.

Required skills

prepare tools, equipment, media and plants

handle plants with care

grade plants for quality

apply different types of potting media

measure out media components accurately

produce a uniform media level in the pot

use and maintain tools

disinfect selected work areas

treat common problems of plants in a controlled environment

participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

interpret work procedures

maintain required records

minimise damage of waste products on the environment

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

appropriate use of personal protective equipment

properties of relevant potting media

basic plant physiology

enterprise plants and their characteristics

hygiene and quality control

common problems in a controlled environment

methods of disposing of waste.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

prepare tools, equipment and plants for potting up

prepare growing media for potting up plants

pot up plants to required specification

carry out follow-up procedures to potting up.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Potting up plants may include:

transplanting of established plants with developed root systems sown from:

seed

from cuttings

layering

growing on tissue cultured plants

division or splitting

spores

cloning, and budding or grafting into larger appropriate sized containers of growing media.

Unit sector

Nursery

This unit contains employability skills.