Understanding Properties of

Growing Media
Lesson 1
Vermiculite>>>>>

Next Generation Science/Common Core Standards Addressed!

HSLS23. Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the

cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on conceptual understanding of the role
of aerobic and anaerobic respiration in different environments.] [Assessment
Boundary: Assessment does not include the specific chemical processes of
either aerobic or anaerobic respiration.]

WHST.912.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis,

reflection, and research. (HSLS11)

HSSIC.A.1Understand statistics as a process for making inferences about

population parameters based on a random sample from that population. (HS
LS26)

TERMS
Aeration the presence of air
Growing medium material used for plant
growth
Hydroponics growing plants w/o soil
Leach to remove by percolation
Pore spaces voids for water or air holding
Soil outer layer of the earth suitable for plants
Soilless medium sterile product/s used for
plants

Bell Work!
1. Identify the types of growing media.
2. Describe the functions of growing
media.
3. Explain the relationship between
growing media and plant growth.
4. Why is a good growing media made
up of a variety of components?

Interest Approach
What makes a great
basketball team?

5 or more members that work well together.

At least 1 who can score points from 20 +.
At least 1 who can be used inside the key.
1 or more who can control the ball.
1 or more to push the ball inside.
Each player has their strengths!

Interest Approach
What makes a great growing
medium?

Several components that work well

together
1 or more that hold water.
1 or more that hold air.
1 or more sources of nutrients.
1 or more to help defend against pest.
Components that are sterilized.

Interest Approach
Which Makes the Best
Growing Medium?

Sand
Peat Moss
Field Soil
Vermiculite
Pearlite
Water
Gravel

What are the types of growing

media used in floriculture
production?
Is soil used?
Soil the earths outer crust is full of
life!
Bacteria
Fungi
Invertebrates

What are the negatives of

using SOIL for containers?
Unknown history of:
Pesticides
pH
Fertility level

High shrink / swell

Soil shrinks as it dries forming cracks

Higher disease probability

So what media should you

use?

Sand? Dries to quickly.

Peat moss? Dries to slowly.
Choir? Hard to get wetted.
Water? To little air.
Pearlite?
To much air.
Vermiculite? Pricey.
Potting soil mixes? Just right.

The 3 basic types of media!

Soil natural layer of the earth that
supports life.
Soilless any material for growing
plants not containing topsoil.
Hydroponics plants grown primarily in
nutrient solution.

What are the functions of the

growing media?
Must provide AIR.
Must provide WATER.
Must provide Nutrients.
Must provide ANCHORE / SUPPORT.

What effect does growing

media have on plant growth?
Supplying Nutrients
Some media cannot hold essential
elements for plants. Nutrients are
leached out to rapidly.
Stressed plants are prone to disease
and insect damage increasing loss.
Reduced growth = lower returns

What effect does growing

media have on plant growth?
Supplying Air
As air is reduced, plant stress
increases.
Roots need oxygen and water both in
moderation.
Increasing stress increases pest
susceptibility and profit loss

Necrotic line patterns in the foliage of a cyclamen

affected by impatiens necrotic spot tospovirus
(INSV).

What effect does growing

media have on plant growth?
Uniformity
Large scale production demands that all
plants perform equally.
This is only possible if all plants get
equal inputs from a uniform media.

Review

What are the 3 types of

media?
Soil
define

Soilless
define

Hydroponics
define

What are the functions of

growing media?
Supply Air.
Why?

Supply water.
Why?

Supply nutrients.
Why?

Supply support / anchor.

Why?

Why is it important for media

to:
Supply nutrients?
Increase healthy plants,growth and
returns.
Supply air?
Reduce diseases and increase profit.
Supply uniformity?
Plant schedules require uniform plant
growth!

The End!
Peat Bog!

The End!
Mud Bog!