TOPIC: RAISING ORNAMENTAL PLANTS II
A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS
- Ornamental plants.
- Watering can.
- Hand hoe.
- Dry grass for mulch.
- Manure.
- Pruning shears or picture.
- Flower pots.
B: REFERENCE MATERIALS
- Scheme of work.
- Recommended Agric Sciences textbook for Primary 4.
- Online educational resources.
C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
The pupils have learnt the meaning and importance of ornamental plants and the basic steps involved in planting them.
D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- State ways of caring for ornamental plants.
- Explain watering.
- Explain weeding.
- Explain mulching.
- Explain pruning.
- State ways of protecting ornamental plants.
E: CONTENT
Caring for Ornamental Plants
After planting, ornamental plants must be cared for properly.
1. Watering
Plants should be watered regularly, especially when the soil is dry.
2. Weeding
Weeds should be removed because they compete with ornamental plants for:
- water
- nutrients
- sunlight
- space
3. Application of Manure
Manure can be added to improve soil fertility.
4. Mulching
Mulching means covering the soil around the plant with dry grass or leaves. Mulching helps to:
- reduce water loss
- control weeds
- protect the soil
5. Pruning
Pruning means removing unwanted, damaged or overgrown branches. ✂️ Pruning helps plants remain neat and healthy.
6. Protection from Pests
Pests that attack plants should be controlled.
7. Protection from Animals
Ornamental plants should be protected from goats, sheep and other animals.
8. Keeping the Flower Bed Clean
Dead leaves and litter should be removed regularly.
F: LESSON PRESENTATION
F1: Teachers’ Activities
- Revises ornamental plants.
- Demonstrates watering.
- Demonstrates weeding.
- Shows how mulch is placed around plants.
- Explains pruning.
- Discusses protection from pests and animals.
- Guides pupils in caring for a flower bed.
F2: Pupils’ Activities
- Water plants.
- Remove weeds.
- Apply mulch.
- Explain pruning.
- State ways of protecting plants.
- Help clean the flower bed.
G: CONCLUSION
The teacher revises the major ways of caring for ornamental plants. The teacher encourages pupils to regularly water, weed and protect ornamental plants around them.
H: EVALUATION GUIDE
Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:
- State five ways of caring for ornamental plants.
- Why should plants be watered?
- Why should weeds be removed?
- What is mulching?
- State two benefits of mulching.
- What is pruning?
- Name one animal that may damage ornamental plants.