Lecture 14 Horticulture

Question 1

Example of a plant that grows in the woodland and requires less light.

Answer 1

Wild garlic

Question 2

Name a plant that grows on the riverbank thus requiring more water and acts as a vulnerary and astringent

Answer 2

Bistort

Question 3

List the growing conditions horticulturists take into account when cultivating plants

Answer 3

Light, moisture, sun, soil pH

Question 4

What aspect of soil affects drainage and water holding capacity.

Answer 4

Grain

Question 5

List the three different types of soil and a few of its characteristics

Answer 5

Sand- largest grain, fast draining, minerals leech in heavy rain

Clay- smallest grain, slow draining, hardest in drought conditions

Silt- from river flooding has intermediate size grain

Question 6

How do we modify soils to suit the plants needs.

Answer 6

Light Sandy soils are enriched and made more moisture retentive by adding organic matter (compost)

Heavy clay soils are more free draining by adding grit, small stone and organic mater

Question 7

What is loam and the benefits of using this type of soil.

Answer 7

Loam is a blend of all 3 grain types.

• neither too fast draining or water retentive
• sufficient air for root respiration
• more nutrients and moisture
• ideal environment for invertebrates (worms) and beneficial bacteria

Question 8

What are the pros and cons of peat.

Answer 8

Peat is partially decomposed vegetable matter saturated with water found in uplands and bogs

Fertile and drains well but low in nitrogen so will become saturated if too wet and shrink if too dry.

Should avoid using because peat lands are endangered environmental resource

Question 9

How does acidic soil affect plant growth

Answer 9

Reduces plant breakdown. Organic matter produces organic acid which lowers pH.

Question 10

What nutrients are found in alkaline soil? Which type of soil do plants prefer?

Answer 10

Calcium, magnesium, carbonate ions.

Slightly alkaline

Question 11

The addition of which substances create a more alkaline soil. Give an example of a alkaline soil loving plant.

Answer 11

Dolomite, limestone, calcified seaweed

Yarrow

Question 12

How do you lower soil pH? Name a plant that prefers slightly acidic soil

Answer 12

Organic matter

Echinaea

Question 13

How does the pH of the soil affect Hydrangeas?

Answer 13

Acidic soil produces blue flowers

Alkaline soil changes blue flowers to pink

Question 14

List three soil layers necessary for plant growth

Answer 14

Topsoil- decayed and decaying organic matter

Subsoil- lighter colour, fewer nutrients, reservoir for water and minerals

Bedrock- draining capacity depends on composition

Question 15

To assess the soil in ones garden how far deep should one dig?

Answer 15

30cm

Question 16

In what ways can the gardener feed the soil?

Answer 16

Compost
Green manure
Well rotten manure
Fertilizer
Mulches

Question 17

What is green manure?

Answer 17

Green manures are grown then mown or dug in to the soil before they shed seeds.
Pea family plants are ideal: Medicago sati a (alfalfa), Trifolium pratense, Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek).

Question 18

Name 4 natural fertilisers and their main contribution to soil

Answer 18

Seaweed- NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium)

Calcified seaweed- harvested from beds of coral algae

Natural rock- phosphates but inorganic and non-sustainable

Animal- bone meal and blood

Question 19

What are the benefits and a few examples of mulches.

Answer 19

Suppress weeds
Retain moisture
Increase soil temperature
Add nutrients to soil

Mushroom compost
Wood clippings
Hay
Leaf mold

Question 20

Define stratification

Answer 20

Exposing seeds to cold, stimulates passing though winter. Leave seeds covered outside during winter or store in fragile for 8 weeks. Plant thinks spring has arrived when taken out

Question 21

Define scarification

Answer 21

Roughening the surface of seeds with very thick shells. Rub gently with sandpaper allowing water to penetrate outer seed layers

Question 22

What is the advantage of direct seeding?

Answer 22

Removes the shock of moving plants once they have established roots

Question 23

Name of product used to cover seedlings to increase warmth and protect against weather and animals

Answer 23

Horticulture fleece

Question 24

What are the advantages and steps to indoor sowing

Answer 24

Provides a controlled environment free of predators and weeds

Fill pot/ seed stray with sowing compost 1 cm below rim, water with a fine rose

Sprinkle seeds thinly on surface

Lightly cover with sieved compost

Cover larger seeds to their own depth

Water with fine sprinkler

Label

Cover with glass tray retains moisture

Keep in shade

After germination remove glass and thin out seedlings keep in warm place out of direct sun

Water
Harden off over 2-3 weeks, bring them out by day, indoors at night

Transplant when big enough to handle

Question 25

What are cuttings and the four types

Answer 25

When stems produce new root systems Greenwood cuttings Semi-ripe cuttings Water cuttings Rhizome cuttings

Question 26

Describe the process of greenwood cuttings

Answer 26

Do in late spring early summer Use tip of a healthy non-flowering stem with a firm base Strip off base leaves and place in pot covered with glass out of direct sun for 1-5 weeks

Question 27

Semi-ripe cuttings

Answer 27

Trees and shrubs mis to late summer when shoots are hardening Take 4-6 inch cutting strip leaves from lower end insert base of stem into hormone rooting powder and insert 1 inch into compost cover rooted after 6 months

Question 28

Rhizome cuttings

Answer 28

Produce roots and sheets along their length | Eg ginger and turmeric

Question 29

Root division

Answer 29

Another form of propagation some roots will form new plants from any section of root (eg comfrey)

Question 30

Layering

Answer 30

Propagation whereby Branches from new root systems where they touch the ground

Question 31

Runners

Answer 31

Propagate naturally when spread along surface creating new root systems

Question 32

Suckers

Answer 32

Are new stems produced by tree roots.

Question 33

List the steps when planting out seedlings, cuttings etc.

Answer 33

Remove weeds Modify soil as required Plant in autumn/ spring Place plant in hole just larger then the root ball of the plant, add compost, soak hole prior to planting Soak in the pot for 15 minutes in water, separate roots slightly if the plant is root outbound Position plant at the same level as it has been growing, press in firmly, water in fork soil around the plan heel in

Question 34

What are the keys to success in organic growing soil management.

Answer 34

1. Don’t dig 2. Don’t compact 3. Cover soil with mulch 4. Rest the soil with green manures 5. use manure 6. rotate crops, alternate hungry feeders (eg nightshade family) with nitrogen fixers like red clover 7. good garden design 8. companion planting 9. Pest control (nematodes, microscopic roundworms) 10. Weed control 11. Growing material 12. Bonfires

Question 35

What is nitrogen fixation

Answer 35

Converts nitrogen from the air into ammonia which is metabolised by most organisms to produce amino acids and nucleic acids

Question 36

Name four features of good garden design

Answer 36

Hedges Leave rotten logs, leaf-mold and stones for shelter Deep rooted plants bring nutrients up from the subsoil Plant flowers near fruit trees to attract pollinating insects

Question 37

Name 6 companion plants and their benefits

Answer 37

Calendula- produces root secretions that deter whitefly Allium onion and garlic family deter carrot root fly and are fungicidal Chamomile improves health and yield of many plants Hyssop attracts bees and repels cabbage white butterfly Nasturtium - deters aphids, whitefly and attract black fly to itself (keeping it off other plants) Oregano

Question 38

Growing Instructions for Echinacea purpurea

Answer 38

• Grows to a height of 1.2m (4ft), spreads up to 45cm (18in). • Requires fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position. • Harvest roots in the autumn, seeds in late summer. • If you want to make a whole-plant extract, harvest aerial parts in early summer before flowers are mature; make your extract of these, then leave the remainder of your crop until you can harvest the roots in the Autumn. • Echinacea is good for all infections and low immunity

Question 39

Growing Instructions for Hypericum perforatum- St. John’s Wort

Answer 39

• Grows to a height of 30 – 60cm height, spreads to 15 – 45cm. • Requires moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. • Harvest aerial parts in mid-Summer when coming into flower. • Can be prepared as a tincture (water and alcohol extract) or as an oil (infuse in Olive Oil). • St John’s Wort is good for depression, anxiety and sleep.

Question 40

Growing Instructions for Valeriana officinalis- valerian root

Answer 40

• Grows to a height of 2 metres, spreads to approximately 1 metre. • Thrives near water and so grows best in moist or well-watered soil, in a sunny or partially shaded position. • Harvest the roots in Autumn. • Valerian has a warming, comforting and relaxing effect – good for sleep and nerve problems.

Question 41

Growing Instructions for Aloe vera

Answer 41

• Grows to a height of 60 – 90cm, spreads by sprouting new plants from its base (“pups” or “offsets”). • Happy in temperate climates provided that it is planted in a well-drained container, placed in a sunny position during the summer and brought inside each winter (frost will kill it). • To harvest, simply cut off a frond as required and separate the inner healing gel from the green outer skin (which can also be used in herbal medicine as a purgative).

Question 42

Growing Instructions for Calendula officinalis (Marigold)

Answer 42

• Grows to 50cm in height, with similar spread. • Flourishes in any dry & sunny position. • Harvest flowers when in full bloom during the summer. • Because calendula is an annual (it lives for just one year), leave a few flowers to mature and produce seed for next years crop. • Marigold is a wound healer, but also a liver and lymph cleanser

Question 43

Growing Instructions for Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle)

Answer 43

• Grows to a height of 1 – 2 metres, spreads 1 metre. • Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position. • Harvest by placing mature seed heads in a warm dry place. Then, tap the heads to release seeds (wear gloves to handle Milk Thistle and sow new seeds each spring). • Milk Thistle seeds rebuild and protect the liver, e.g. after exposure to alcohol or pharmaceutical drugs.

Question 44

Growing Instructions for Passiflora incarnata

Answer 44

• Climbs to 8m (25ft). • Likes fertile, well drained soil in a partially shaded position, next to a wall or fence it can climb. • Harvest leaves and flowers in summer. • Passionflower is an excellent nerve-relaxant and sleep tonic; makes a good addition to a calming, de-stressing herbal tea mix

Question 45

``` Why might you use a seaweed fertiliser: Select one: a. To add salt b. To alkalise the soil c. To acidify the soil d. To add mercury ```

Answer 45

B

Question 46

``` Which genus of plants deter carrot root fly and are fungicidal Select one: a. Allium b. Chrysanthemum c. Mentha d. Plantago ```

Answer 46

B

Question 47

Why would you SCARIFY seeds: Select one: a. To help the shoots have an easier time getting through the shell b. To simulate natural winter conditions c. To prevent too many seeds germinating at once d. To ensure that water can enter more easily

Answer 47

B

Question 48

``` What happens to Hydrangea flowers if the soil is alkalised: Select one: a. They increase in size b. They turn blue c. They turn pink d. They die ```

Answer 48

C

Question 49

``` Which family of plants are good for nitrogen fixing: Select one: a. Plantaginaceae b. Asteraceae c. Fabaceae d. Rosaceae ```

Answer 49

C

Question 50

Why would you not use fresh horse manure as a fertiliser: Select one: a. It is alkaline and may burn root hairs b. It rots too quickly c. it is acidic and it may burn root hairs d. It smells bad

Answer 50

C

Question 51

``` How would you enrich a sandy soil type: Select one: a. Add organic matter b. Add chemical fertiliser c. Add water d. Add clay ```

Answer 51

A

Question 52

What is nitrogen fixing: Select one: a. Converting nitrogen from the air into ammonia. b. Allowing plants to breath c. Converting oxygen into nitrogen d. Planting out in high nitrogen-content sol

Answer 52

A

Question 53

``` What growing conditions suit Calendula: Select one: a. Sunny and warm b. Shady and damp c. Shady and well-drained d. Sunny and dry ```

Answer 53

D