Seed Knowledge
Lesson Overview
Goals
- Read a seed packet
- Describe what each attribute means
Outcomes
Teaching Primer
Growing a plant from seed is just as simple as dropping a seed in the dirt, giving it a little water, and then waiting to harvest it. Right? Well, if only that was the way it actually worked. In reality, there are numerous factors that play into the success of any plant started from seed.
A seed packet is like the Cliff’s Notes of the gardening world. It tells you exactly what you need to know upfront like the name of the variety, the planting instructions, the time of year to start, the expected germination rate, and other useful information that gives the gardener a fighting chance at success.
Because Students are often growing plants for the first time in this program it’s important to train them how to use all the information that is available to them to foster as much success as possible in the early stages of their gardening experience. Seed packets vary in design but most contain the same core information and knowing how to leverage that data is essential for anyone that wants to strive for that bumper crop.
Teach the Teacher
- Seed Selection Q&A
- How To Read Your Seed Packets
- DIY Seed Packet Design
Tools & Materials
- DIY Seed Packet Design template for each Student
- Crayons, color pencils, water colors
- Seed packet examples - on-screen, as a handout, or to be passed around
Vocabulary
- Common name
- Botanical name
- Seed date
- Germination rate
- Certification
Method
Introduction (10 minutes)
Begin the lesson by reviewing each packet element individually. State the name of each element, define it and give examples. Review 2-3 packets so that the Students gain a proper understanding of each element.
Activity (20 minutes)
Provide each Student with a blank DIY Seed Packet Design sheet and have them create their own seed packet. This should include entering values for each element like name, number of seeds, germination rate, etc. Walk through this part of the activity with the students one element at a time. Then give them the remaining time to do the design on the packet with crayons, color pencils, or watercolors.
Discussion (10 minutes)
Ask Students to share their seed packet designs. Start by asking if anyone wants to share a great variety name. Then ask for anyone that wants to share their design.
Assessment (5 minutes)
Use the following questions to assess the Students before and after the lesson. Tally the responses of the group in the Assessment Tracking Log for comparison:
- By a show of hands, how many of you know what information is printed on a seed packet?
- Now that you what is printed on a seed packet, how many of you think you could follow those instructions on your own?
Related Lessons
Give the Intermediate or Advanced lessons a try now that you’ve completed the Beginner Lesson!
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