The Agricultural Systems Institute (ASI) hosted the second episode of the Aggie Ps Talk 4.0 webinar series of the College of Agriculture and Food Science held on April 22 via Zoom and Facebook Live. The episode 2, called “#PlanTito #PlanTita TIPS: Potting Mix Preparation for Urban Gardening” tackled the basic concept of potting media preparation for urban gardening and the appropriate materials that can be used as growing media for pinakbet crops and ornamentals. Formally opening the event was ASI Director Dr. Virgilio T. Villancio who welcomed all participants and panelists. There were 234 registered participants from various institutions all over the country who tuned in to the event. Dr. Romeo Labios, a consultant at SEARCA and owner of Avery’s Garden, and Dr. Gina V. Pangga, a professor at the Division of Soil Science, ASI served as the guest panelists for the webinar.
Dr. Gina V. Pangga shared her expertise on soil fertility and explained the basic soil concepts in relation to various agricultural residues which are commonly used as potting mix materials for urban gardening, specifically for pinakbet vegetables production. Clips from the episode were taken from Dr. Pangga’s Biochar Demo Farm where the proper use, handling, and mixing of various residues were demonstrated to create the perfect potting mix.
Meanwhile, Dr. Romeo V. Labios showcased more potting media materials that he personally uses in his own Avery’s Garden. From a hobbyist’s perspective, he highlighted some combinations of products specific to ornamental plants, which he mainly grows in his garden.
Participants and plant enthusiasts were also given the opportunity to showed off their passion for gardening and struck their best poses together with their plant babies through the photo contests called ‘‘Selfie with your Plant Baby’. Using the hashtag, #PlanTitoTIPS2021 and #PlanTitaTIPS2021, participants showcased their best photo through Face book photo posts as entries.
Collage of entries from the Selfie with Your Plant Baby photo contest withe Facebook hashtags #PlanTitoTIPS2021 and #PlanTitaTIPS2021.
In his closing message, Dr. Andrew D. Gasmen, ASI Extension Coordinator cited the rising popularity of the term coined “Plant Titos” and “Plant Titas” and the relevance of potting media to urban gardening especially during the current pandemic. The success of the webinar was made possible through the joint effort of ASI Webinar Team chaired by Ms. Marianne R. de Luna, CAFS and ASI Extension Committees and the active leadership of Ms. Joana Rose M. Vergara as the focal person in-charge for this episode. (AAReynoso)