Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to propagate plants for a permaculture garden system including small scale nurseries, school nurseries and systems where sales and profit are not the main drivers. It requires knowledge of propagation techniques, basic plant nutrition and potting media suitable for the home propagation system.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to propagate plants | 1.1 Collect and wash containers and trays 1.2 Prepare containers with suitable potting mix for the propagation process being undertaken 1.3 Have tools, water and labelling materials on hand |
2. Propagate plants using garden techniques | 2.1 Take cuttings, sow seed or divide plants as required 2.2 Place new plants into prepared containers to required level and give water, cutting treatment or fertiliser as needed 2.3 Label the new plant accurately 2.4 Place containers in trays or in propagation area to grow on |
3. Maintain health of plants during propagation | 3.1 Monitor new plants and take remedial action as needed 3.2 Check for disease or pests and treat according to permaculture principles 3.3 Check for root growth and pot into larger container if required 3.4 Water, shelter or shade depending on prevailing weather conditions, size of container and needs of species 3.5 Harden off in a sheltered area before planting out |
4. Maintain garden propagation system year round | 4.1 Check propagation area between seasonal propagation activities and clean or tidy to avoid disease 4.2 Maintain health of mother plants for propagation purposes 4.3 Maintain stocks of containers, labels, stakes and ties for future use 4.4 Maintain stocks of potting materials and nutrient additives 4.5 Keep propagation system clean and weed free at all times |
Evidence of Performance
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:
prepare for plant propagation
propagate plants using garden techniques
maintain healthy new plants and mother plants
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices related to propagation, such as:
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 marginal or 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
principles of sustainable horticultural practices
propagation techniques, such as:
soft wood cuttings
hard wood cuttings
tip and root cuttings
layering and division
grafting (whip and tongue, saddle and wedge)
seed sowing
basic plant nutrition
potting mixes 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 year
sphagnum moss
basic plant growth and development
small-scale glass, shade or poly house structures
methods of waste disposal causing minimal impact on the environment
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III qualification (or higher) in Permaculture and/or have completed a Permaculture Design Course (PDC).
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)