Vegetable Gardening
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Questions and Answers

Which botanical family does the tomato belong to?

  • Brassicaceae
  • Cucurbitaceae
  • Solanaceae (correct)
  • Fabaceae

    • What is the recommended practice for planning crop rotation?

  • Keep records and maintain a year-by-year map. (correct)
  • Use a calendar to set planting dates.
  • Grow the same crops in the same location repeatedly.
  • Select crops randomly each season.

    • Which vegetable belongs to the Asteraceae family?

  • Lettuce (correct)
  • Onion
  • Pepper
  • Carrot

    • Which of these is a proper example of a crop from the Brassicaceae family?

    <p>Cabbage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify the vegetable that is a member of the Poaceae family.

    <p>Corn</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended depth for incorporating agricultural lime into the soil before planting?

    <p>Six to eight inches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it essential to adjust soil pH according to lime recommendations?

    <p>To ensure optimal conditions for soil organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of hand weeding?

    <p>It effectively removes shallow-rooted annual weeds without damaging crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of fertilizer is commonly recommended for organic gardeners after the first true leaves appear?

    <p>Liquid, fish emulsion-based organic fertilizer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition should soil moisture be in before mechanical cultivation?

    <p>Intermediate, where the soil holds together but crumbles easily.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is hoeing effective for weeding between crop plants?

    <p>It generally avoids damaging the roots of the crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential disadvantage of organic seedling mixes compared to conventional mixes?

    <p>They may be less consistent in nutrient delivery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of cool temperatures in early spring on soil microbial activity?

    <p>It limits microbial activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of nutrient excesses in plants?

    <p>Outbreaks of pests such as aphids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the oldest methods of weed control?

    <p>Hand weeding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if agricultural lime is applied less than a month before seeding or transplanting?

    <p>It is still beneficial if properly incorporated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the cost of organic seedling mixes?

    <p>It increases rapidly with soil or compost-based mixes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be avoided during soil tillage to maintain soil structure?

    <p>Letting soil moisture reach saturation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What additional resource is mentioned for further information on organic seedling mix ingredients?

    <p>Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does soil testing play in organic gardening?

    <p>It assists in identifying nutrient deficiencies and excesses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is mechanical cultivation detrimental to soil health?

    <p>When soil conditions are too wet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for removing insect barriers during flowering?

    <p>To allow for pollination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of insect can row covers effectively prevent from laying eggs on Brassica crops?

    <p>Imported cabbageworms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What materials can be used to support row covers?

    <p>Commercial wire hoops or homemade PVC frames</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should physical removal of insect pests be done to avoid damage to plants?

    <p>By handpicking and placing in soapy water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of adding dish soap to water for trapping insects?

    <p>To break the surface tension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method is described as being effective for trapping slugs and snails?

    <p>Buried beer traps</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is monitoring with prepared sticky traps not sufficient for controlling insect populations?

    <p>They are best used for monitoring, not control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to beer traps periodically?

    <p>Change the beer every several days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary reason why Japanese beetle traps are not widely recommended?

    <p>Beetles may linger and cause more damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of trap crops in organic gardening?

    <p>To lure pests away from desirable plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of organic insecticides compared to conventional ones?

    <p>They require contact or ingestion by pests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is suggested for removing beetles and other insects in organic gardening?

    <p>Hand removal of insects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How frequently should Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) be applied during periods of caterpillar pressure?

    <p>Every three to five days.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of insects are primarily controlled by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)?

    <p>Caterpillars.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a method for managing insect pests in an organic garden?

    <p>Painting plants with insecticide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential downside of using pheromone traps for insects like the Japanese beetle?

    <p>They may lead to increased feeding on crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A soil test report recommends 3-5 lb of P2O5 per 1,000 square feet of garden.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organic fertilizers are less accessible compared to inorganic fertilizers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wood ashes have a low content of potassium compared to sulfate of potash.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nitrogen (N) recommendation is calculated after the potassium (K2O) recommendation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Environmental factors like temperature and moisture directly influence soil organisms' decomposition processes.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kelp is a source of sodium, carbonates, and potassium sulfates.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Soybean meal has a higher nitrogen content than mushroom compost.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sulfate of potash has a rapid release rate for potassium.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Turnips belong to the Apiaceae family.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tomatoes are classified in the Solanaceae family.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cucumbers are classified under the Asteraceae family.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Fabaceae family is commonly known as the legume family.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Squash is a member of the Chenopodiaceae family.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hand weeding is ineffective for removing annual weeds with shallow root systems.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mechanical cultivation should be performed when soil is extremely dry to minimize damage.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hoeing can be ineffective for weeding between wide-spaced crop plants.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Weak plants with nutrient deficiencies are more susceptible to insect pressure.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Soil moisture cannot be estimated by forming a ball of soil by hand.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nutrient excesses can lead to outbreaks of pests such as aphids.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hand-weeding is the most effective method for weeding in garden beds with mulches.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Soils that easily crumble with moisture are in better condition for tillage.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To meet the nitrogen recommendation of 3 lb N, 25 lb of blood meal is required per 1000 square feet.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phosphorus (P2O5) contribution from blood meal is 0.375 lb P2O5 for 25 lb of blood meal.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bone meal is used to supply potassium in the fertilizer recommendations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The total potassium recommendation is calculated by subtracting potassium present in the nitrogen and phosphorus sources.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The required amount of K-Mag to meet the potassium recommendation is 10 lb per 1000 square feet.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Garden plants grow best in a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A soil pH less than 5.5 restricts microbial activity.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The calculations for fertilizer recommendations do not take into account the size of the garden area.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organic gardening prohibits the use of any form of pesticides.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Planting vigorous transplants in tight spacing can help crop plants out-compete weeds.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cultural controls in organic gardening are the last line of defense against pests.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mulches and plastic can act as physical barriers to block light from germinating weeds.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Biological controls use synthetic chemicals to manage insect problems.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The use of mulch does not affect soil moisture levels.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Physical or mechanical controls are meant to manually remove pests from the garden.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organic pesticides typically break down much slower than conventional pesticides.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To avoid stunted growth, use a readily available organic ______ such as fish emulsion.

    <p>fertilizer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Soil blockers are hand tools designed to form free-standing blocks of potting soil that substitute for ______.

    <p>peat pots</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Some garden suppliers specialize in organic production and offer soil blockers and ______.

    <p>fertilizers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Growth may be stunted early in the season if plants don’t get enough ______ or those nutrients are immobilized.

    <p>nutrients</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Use liquid organic fertilizer weekly for one to two weeks after ______.

    <p>transplanting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of ______, which have a silica-based hard shell.

    <p>diatoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Insecticidal soaps are derived from ______ and other oils.

    <p>salts of fatty acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kaolin clay is ground into a fine powder that deters pests from ______ on crop plants.

    <p>landing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The neem tree is native to the Indian ______.

    <p>subcontinent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pyrethrins are derived from ______ flowers and are used as general insecticides.

    <p>chrysanthemum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sabadilla is extracted from seeds of a tropical ______ plant.

    <p>lily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Spinosads are derived from a soil ______ and disrupt neurotransmitters in various insects.

    <p>actinomycete</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sulfur is an effective treatment against spider ______, psyllids, and thrips.

    <p>mites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Diseases of Solanaceous crops, like tomato and pepper, can be viewed as a problem because it may be the final fatal blow to the ______.

    <p>plant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bacterial and fungal diseases are particularly problematic when the root cause is insect or ______ related.

    <p>soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To prevent disease organisms from building up, it’s important to avoid composting residue of diseased plants or any Solanaceous crops in the ______.

    <p>compost pile</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Copper-based products are considered synthetic but are allowed in USDA-certified organic production with certain ______.

    <p>restrictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Disease organisms are spread by moving infected materials from plant to ______.

    <p>plant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Knowing disease issues that are problematic in your garden and in your ______ is key to proper cultivar selection.

    <p>region</p> Signup and view all the answers

    It’s also important to select disease-resistant ______ to enhance crop health and yield.

    <p>cultivars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bordeaux mix, considered a synthetic substance, is restricted in organic production due to its long residual activity and high ______ to bees.

    <p>toxicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A large number of them should be released at the first sight of the ______.

    <p>pests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Row covers are particularly effective in preventing imported ______ from laying their eggs on Brassica crops.

    <p>cabbageworms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Avoid pinning plants to plastic mulches, where they can be damaged by excessive ______.

    <p>heat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A wide variety of traps can be made or purchased for ______ and snails.

    <p>slugs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The soap breaks the surface tension of the water, which prevents the insects from gaining ______.

    <p>traction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Prepared sticky traps are available for ______ and other insects.

    <p>whiteflies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The most reliable way to control insect pests is to physically remove them from the plant by ______.

    <p>hand</p> Signup and view all the answers

    This method works particularly well for beetles and ______, which can generally be controlled at the garden scale.

    <p>caterpillars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Japanese beetle traps rely on a synthetic lure or a ______ to attract the beetles.

    <p>pheromone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organic insecticides are derived from botanical or ______ sources.

    <p>mineral</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Trap crops are grown to lure ______ away from more desirable crop plants.

    <p>pests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is used to control ______ in organic gardening.

    <p>caterpillars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The effectiveness of traps may lead beetles to linger and feed on ______ plants.

    <p>crop</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organic gardeners can apply Bacillus thuringiensis as a spray or ______ for insect control.

    <p>powder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bacillus thuringiensis controls pests like the ______ looper and corn ear worm.

    <p>cabbage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organic insecticides do not persist as long as their conventional ______, affecting their usage in pest control.

    <p>counterparts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Botanical Families of Vegetables

    • Broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, radish, rutabaga, and turnip belong to the Brassicaceae family.
    • Tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplants, and tomatillos are in the Solanaceae family.
    • Winter and summer squash, melons, cucumbers, and pumpkins belong to the Cucurbitaceae family.

    Crop Rotation Strategies

    • Keeping detailed records and creating maps of your garden can aid in efficient crop rotation.
    • Flashcards can be used as a visual aid for tracking crop rotation, with separate cards for each crop and each year in the rotation schedule.
    • Using the botanical family as a guide for rotation is recommended. For example, rotating crops within the same family over a 3-5-year timeline.

    Soil Management

    • Organic fertilizers require warm soil to decompose and release nutrients.
    • Soil testing and adjusting pH levels using lime are important for optimal soil conditions.
    • Calcium, the neutralizing agent in lime, takes time to spread. Apply it 2-3 months prior to planting, ideally incorporated six to eight inches deep.

    Temperature and Microbial Activity

    • Cool temperatures in early spring can inhibit microbial activity.
    • Warmer soil stimulates microbial activity, which is vital for organic fertilizer decomposition and nutrient release.

    Organic Seedling Mixes

    • Organic seedling mixes can be expensive and may have less consistent nutrient delivery than conventional mixes.
    • Add fertilizer once the first set of true leaves appear.
    • Fish emulsion-based fertilizers are commonly used in organic gardening.
    • Organic seedling mixes are made from a mixture of soil, compost, and other ingredients.
    • Different recipes can be found online for organic seedling mix production.

    Weed Control

    • Hand weeding is the oldest and often most effective method for managing weeds.
    • Hand weeding is particularly effective for annual weeds with shallow root systems.
    • Hoeing is a suitable method for removing small weeds or chopping out larger ones, especially in rows with wide spacing between plants.
    • Heavy mechanical cultivation can destroy soil structure and lead to increased breakdown of organic matter which diminishes soil health.
    • Tillage should be performed when soil moisture is adequate, to prevent soil compaction and damage to soil structure.

    Insect Control

    • Strong and healthy plants are more resistant to pests.
    • Nutrient deficiencies and excesses can increase the risk of insect infestations.
    • Soil testing and proper fertility management can help minimize these risks.
    • Beneficial insects can help control pests by preying on them.
    • Creating a habitat for beneficial insects, such as providing overwintering options, can increase their population and reduce pest outbreaks.
    • Manual removal of pests can be effective.
    • Traps can attract and capture pests, but their effectiveness can vary depending on the pest type and trap design.
    • Organic insecticides are derived from botanical or mineral sources.
    • They are typically effective when ingested directly or through contact by the pest.
    • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an organic insecticide that is effective against caterpillars.

    Crop Rotation and Botanical Families

    • Crop rotation is a crucial practice to maintain soil fertility and prevent pest and disease buildup.
    • Keep detailed records of your garden layout and rotation cycle.
    • Utilizing flash cards with crop names and botanical families can assist in planning a 3-5 year rotation.
    • Examples of crop families and their representative crops include:
      • Solanaceae: Tomato, pepper, potato, eggplant, tomatillo
      • Brassicaceae: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, radish, rutabaga, turnip
      • Cucurbitaceae: Winter squash, summer squash, melons, cucumber, pumpkin
      • Apiaceae: Carrot, parsley, celery, parsnip
      • Chenopodiaceae: Beet, chard, spinach
      • Fabaceae: Pea, bean
      • Asteraceae: Lettuce
      • Liliaceae: Onion, garlic, shallot, leek
      • Poaceae: Corn

    Organic Fertilizer and Nutritional Requirements

    • Organic fertilizers are an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
    • Most organic sources require decomposition by soil organisms to release nutrients.
    • Temperature, moisture, and other environmental factors influence decomposition rates.
    • Sources vary in how quickly they release nutrients, with examples including:
      • Slow-release: Soybean meal
      • Medium release: Mushroom compost, sulfate of potash magnesia (K-Mag)
      • Rapid release: Wood ashes, sulfate of potash
    • A soil test provides recommendations for the amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5), and potassium (K2O) required for your garden.
    • Example Calculation:
      • For 1,000 square feet, a soil test recommends 3 lb N, 1.5 lb P2O5, and 4 lb K2O.
      • Using blood meal (12-1.5-0.6) for N, bone meal (1-11-0) for P, and K-Mag (0-0-22) for K, these fertilizer amounts would be needed:
        • Blood meal: 25 lb
        • Bone meal: 10 lb
        • K-Mag: 18 lb

    Soil pH and Liming

    • Optimal pH range for most garden plants is 6.0-6.5.
    • Microbial activity is hindered below a pH of 5.5.
    • Lime is used to increase soil pH and make nutrients more available.

    Organic Pest Control

    • Organic gardening emphasizes cultural, physical, and biological controls to manage pests.
    • The philosophy behind organic pest control involves utilizing "many little hammers" to beat back pests.
    • Cultural controls, the first line of defense, include:
      • Proper plant selection
      • Fertility management
      • Crop rotation
      • Physical exclusion
    • Physical or mechanical controls involve manually removing pests.
    • Biological controls include organic pesticides or beneficial organisms.
    • It is crucial to understand that organic gardening does not prohibit the use of pesticides; it aims for environmentally friendly alternatives.

    Weed Management Techniques

    • Hand weeding is the most effective method for removing annual weeds with shallow roots.
    • Ensure proper timing and consider using tools like hoes for larger weeds.
    • Mulches, plastic, landscape fabric, and cardboard effectively suppress weed growth.
    • Organic matter from mulches enriches the soil.

    Insect Control Strategies

    • Growing healthy plants minimizes insect pressure.
    • Nutrient deficiencies and excesses can attract or exacerbate insects.
    • Soil testing and proper fertility management are key to preventing insect problems.

    Organic Gardening: Soil and Nutrients

    • Organic fertilizers are crucial when transplanting, promoting initial growth.
    • Fish emulsion and liquid organic fertilizers are readily available and effective options.
    • Applying fertilizers weekly for the first two weeks after transplanting ensures sustained growth.
    • Soil blockers are popular tools for organic producers, offering a sustainable alternative to peat pots or seedling flats.
    • Soil blocker recipes vary by producer and typically comprise various organic elements like sphagnum peat, compost, and soil.

    Organic Gardening: Pest Management

    • Beneficial insects play a crucial role in controlling pest populations.
    • Creating a year-round habitat with diverse vegetation encourages beneficial insects to overwinter and thrive.
    • Physical removal of pests by hand is the most reliable and organic method.
    • Using soapy water traps effectively captures and eliminates pests.
    • Organic insecticides offer a sustainable alternative to conventional pesticides.
    • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) targets caterpillars and is applied as a spray or powder every 3-5 days.
    • Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is effective against soft-bodied insects and deters beetles and ants.
    • Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, disrupts feeding and development in various insects, particularly aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.

    Organic Gardening: Disease Control

    • Properly composting is crucial for organic disease management, including limiting residue from Solanaceous crops.
    • Disease-resistant cultivars offer a proactive approach to disease control.
    • Avoid using treated or genetically modified seeds.
    • Copper-based products are allowed in organic production with restrictions due to potential toxicity.
    • Copper sulfate solutions can be effective against downy mildew, powdery mildew, bean anthracnose, and tomato early blight.
    • Bordeaux mix, a blend of copper sulfate and hydrated lime, is restricted due to its long residual activity and potential harm to bees.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the botanical families of various vegetables and their significance in crop rotation strategies. It also covers the importance of soil management practices, including the use of organic fertilizers and soil testing. Test your knowledge of these essential gardening concepts!

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