Growing the Seedlings

Step 1: Collecting Mangrove Pods

• Visit a coastal area or a mangrove park where you plan to plant the trees.
• Look for mangrove propagules (pods), which are normally found near mature mangrove trees.
• Wrap the pods in wet cloths to keep them moist during transportation.
• Once home, wash them gently with clean tap water to remove any dirt.

Step 2: Preparing the Growth Container

• Use recycled plastic bottles (PET bottles) as containers.
• Fill the bottles with clean water and place the mangrove pods in them.
• Add a natural anti-mosquito solution to prevent larvae from breeding.
• Add three drops of plant vitamins to enhance the pod’s growth.

Step 3: Nurturing the Pods

• Replace the water once a week to keep it fresh.
• Observe as the pods sprout and grow into seedlings.
• Enjoy the process! Watching your mangrove grow will be a fulfilling and inspiring experience.

Nursery and Hardening

Once the seedlings reach a healthy size, they need to adapt to the coastal environment before planting.

• Transport the seedlings to a designated nursery area near the plantation site.
• Allow the seedlings to stay in this location for at least two weeks without planting.
• This step is crucial as it helps them adjust to the natural conditions of the planting site.

Tree Planting

After the hardening phase, the seedlings are ready to be planted in their permanent location.

• Planting Site Selection: Choose pre-identified areas that require mangrove restoration.
• Tree Planting Day: Join fellow volunteers to plant the seedlings in the selected locations.
• Ongoing Care: Regularly visit the site to check on your trees' growth.
• Pro tip: It’s perfectly fine to talk to your mangroves, as long as they don’t talk back! 🌱😊