Propagation by seed is sexual propagation. In sexual propagation the offspring often differ from the parent plants because of new combinations of the genes. Most annual and biennial vegetables and flowers most shade trees, and some herbaceous perennials, grasses, shrubs, and vines are propagated by seed. A few florist crops and house plants can be grown from seed. The rootstocks which make up the roots of grafted ornamental and fruit trees are usually grown from seed. And, of course, garden weeds may be propagated from seeds. Plant breeders nearly always use seeds in their breeding work, selecting the cream of the crop for the next generation.

The objectives of this lab are to explore the natural variation in seeds; to produce a medium useful for production of transplants; to produce transplants from seed; and to learn how to maintain seeds in good conditions.

• Observe the many types of seeds in the lab room.
• Plan the garden plot.
• Prepare a soilless medium for producing transplants.
• Sow vegetable, herb and bedding plant seeds to produce transplants for the garden plot.
• Plant vegetable, flower and herb seeds in the garden plot.
• Save seeds from the garden plot for use in future semesters.