TLE 7/8 AGRI CROP - Interpret Plans and Drawings(Layout Garden Plots)

Agricultural Crop Production Course Overview

• Who It's For: Students in grades 7 and 8.

• What You'll Learn: How to understand plants, design garden layouts, and plan farm layouts based on the crops you choose.

Why Planning is Important:

• The FFT (Future Focused Training) program helps plan effective farms using land, money, and people wisely.

Things to Think About When Planning a Farm:

1. Land Shape: If your land is hilly, plant across the slope to stop soil from washing away.

2. Sunlight: Plant crops north to south so they can get the most sunlight.

3. Grouping Vegetables: Organize plants by type: soft, bushy, vine, and tree veggies.

4. Plant Height: Keep tall plants away from short ones.

5. Seasons: Group crops that grow together in the same season.

6. Quick-Growing Plants: Plant fast-growing crops like radishes and lettuce together.

7. Space Use: In small areas, plant slower-growing crops alongside quick-growing ones.

8. Row Care: Make sure rows are straight and spaced out for easy care.

9. Planning Structures: Decide where to place fences, wells, pumps, and water systems.

Site Assessment:

• Check your site to make a map showing the land shape, boundaries, soil, and water needed for your farm plan.

Common Garden Layouts:

• Vertical Gardens: Great for small spaces using trellises and hanging baskets.

• Block Garden Layout: Close rows to increase yield; beds should be 3-4 feet wide.

• Square Foot Garden: Grids for planting different crops, using vertical growth.

• Traditional Four Square Layout: Paths from the garden gate to the house, crossing at right angles.

• Raised Beds: Good for bad soil or limited space; easy to move.

• Single Row Layout: Simple design with long rows, often used for one type of crop.

Garden Planning Steps:

1. Choose Location: Find a spot with good sunlight and flat land.

2. Bed Type: Use raised beds in cold areas; in-ground beds where it's warm.

3. Mark the Spot: Clear old grass and weeds then outline the garden area.

4. Prepare Soil: Test the soil, mix in organic matter, and till the ground.

Planting Arrangements:

• Single Row: One crop in a row (e.g., potatoes).

• Multiple Rows: Multiple rows together; good for various crops.

• Plant Placement: Place crops in the best areas for growth.

Educational Goals in Crop Production:

• Teach students basic farming skills to help with future money challenges.

• Inspire interest in agriculture as a way to earn money through gardening or family farms.

Types of Farming Systems:

• Monocrop: One crop grown each year without changing it.

• Intercropping: Different crops grown together to use space well.

• Relay Cropping: Plant a second crop before harvesting the first.

• Crop Rotation: Changing crops each season to keep soil healthy.

Planting Methods:

• Direct Seeding: Plant seeds straight into the ground.

• Transplanting: Using seedlings or moving grown plants to new spots.

Conclusion:

• Learning about crop production gives students useful agricultural skills for future living and earning opportunities.