About this course

The course begins in early February with planning of activities in the greenhouse, where the students choose four species from a list for which they will be responsible. Both seed‑propagated and vegetatively propagated plants must be included. The course instructor is responsible for preparing the list from which students can choose species.

During the course period, the students will produce their own plants until the sales date (mid‑May). This includes propagation, watering, fertilizing, spacing, pinching, various maintenance tasks, staking, and more. They must calculate the costs associated with the production (including soil, pots, greenhouse area, etc.), and the students must prepare informative sales posters for each species for the sales day, including further cultivation guidance. At the end, the students will write a report describing the production of the four species, including the economy and reflections related to the learning process.

On weekends and holidays, greenhouse staff ensure necessary watering.

In May, the Fascination of Plants Day is held at NMBU, and the plants are sold to the public by the students themselves, who also provide guidance during the purchase.

Students also participate in cleaning and washing the greenhouse sections after the cultivation period ends.

Learning outcome

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE

• The student can plant production in greenhouses of seedlings of flowers and vegetables

• The student knows subject terms such as cuttings, sowing, pricking, potting, spacing, repotting, pinning

• The student knows why some plants need to be cloned, while others are propagated by seeds

• The student knows the importance of having enough space, fertilizing and watering properly

SKILLS

• Students can sow, pot, prick, pin up and repot

• The student can water, fertilize and care for plants

GENERAL COMPETENCE

• The student has some insight into the economics of such production through simple production planning and calculation of gross margins

• The student can write a full report with references

• The student can collaborate with others on irrigation and care

  • Learning activities

    The course is problem based, i.e. no ordinary lectures will be given. We find a time where we meet in the greenhouses every week and the students can ask questions and get advice. Apart from this, we expect the students to read up on their own plants and how to grow them. To give the students insight into production, we will have a visit to a greenhouse grower.

  • Teaching support

    Canvas

  • Syllabus

    None specific - the students are expected to find their own literature on the internet and in the library for their growing of the chosen plants and the report

  • Recommended prerequisites

    Plant physiology, BOT130

  • Assessment method

    Portfolio assessment: the following activities must be completed in order to pass the course:(1) Production of four selected species,(2) preparation of sales posters,(3) participation on the sales day followed by cleanup in the greenhouse, and(4) submission of a report describing how the plants were cultivated, including cultivation guidelines and recommendations for further growing, as well as a cost calculation for the production.

    Portfolio Karakterregel: Passed / Not Passed Report Karakterregel: Passed / Not Passed

  • About use of AI

    K2: AI can be used for brainstorming and proofreading in the report. The use of AI should be described with a brief explanation of which programs you have used and how the programs have been applied in the text. The student is responsible for the final content of the text after proofreading.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    Internal examinor.

  • Mandatory activity

    Grow their own plants and write a report. Participate in Fascination of Plants Day and cleaning up greenhouses afterwards,

  • Notes

    If there are less than 6 registered students, a simplified teaching plan will be considered.

  • Teaching hours

    Two hours every week in the greenhouses. The students must water and fertilize their won plants during weekdays.

  • Preferential right

    Students in Plant Sciences and Urban Agriculture have priority

  • Admission requirements

    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)