Food production Flashcards
State how soil texture affects the selection of a site for outdoor food production
Clay soils are cold - slow to warm in spring
Clay soils prone to waterlogging - may cause crown/root rot
Clay soils are nutrient-rich
Clay soils retain warmth for longer in autumn
Sandy soils warm earlier in spring = earlier sowing & planting of crops
Sandy soils have poor moisture retention - nutrients are easily leached (requires additional fertiliser and watering)
Root crops prefer a sandy soil
Brassicas perform better on clay soil
State how susceptibility to wind affects the selection of a site for outdoor food production
Broken branches in fruit trees
Blossom and fruit being blown from trees
Supports may be blown over
Pollinators unable to fly in high winds
Wind increases transpiration = higher loss of moisture
List THREE limitations of growing fruit and vegetables in a small garden
Crop rotation is difficult/less effective
Lack of space to grow top fruit
Permanent plantings difficult e.g. rhubarb/asparagus
Not possible to use machinery e.g. rotavator
Spacing has to be reduced = smaller veg and yield
State what is meant by the “cultivation window”
The optimum time to cultivate any soil type, including heavy clay or loam soil, without damaging the structure
Cultivation is carried out when soil is not too dry or wet. “Cultivation window” can be very narrow and is ideally optimised before any inclement weather, including winter frosts
Describe consolidation when creating a seed bed
Consolidation removes the larger air pockets in the soil
Soil surface is lightly trodden using heels of your boots, or tamped down using reversed head of garden rake
Describe tilth production when creating a seed bed
With use of garden rake, the previously consolidated and levelled soil surface should be raked in all directions to break up any clods and remove large stones.
Aim is to create a friable (easily crumbed) soil surface with fine crumb texture
Describe production of a crop of Brussels sprouts under following headings:
i) ONE NAMED cultivar
ii) sowing (excluding seed bed prep)
iii) transplanting or planting out
i) ‘Brodie’
ii) Sow under protection in February in modules - depth 1-1.5cm
Can also sow outdoors in a prepared seed bed in March/April. Sow thinly in drills 1-1.5cm deep and 15cm apart.
iii) Transplant indoor module grown in mid/late spring
Transplant outdoor grown from mid-spring to early summer
Seedlings s/b 10-15cm tall and have 5-7 true leaves
Plant quite deep (up to first pair of true leaves) to improve stability, 60-75cm apart, and firm in well
Water in after planting
Collar can be placed around neck of transplants (cabbage root fly!)
Describe the production of a crop of radish under following headings:
i) ONE NAMED radish cultivar
ii) sowing (excluding soil prep)
iii) thinning
i) ‘Scarlet Globe’
ii) Sow from Feb to August “in situ”
(early and late sowings can be covered with cloche or fleece)
Sow thinly in short drills 1cm deep, 2.5cm apart, with rows space 10-15cm apart
Can sow successionally as they grow fast
Good as a “catch crop” - between rows of e.g. peas/potatoes (slower growers!)
iii) Thin to 3cm apart to prevent spindly growth - this allows remaining roots to develop fully
Unwanted radish are carefully pulled up by foliage to avoid disturbance of rest of crop
Remaining crop are firmed and watered after thinning.
Describe formative pruning for an apple tree from whip into an open-centred bush
Aim is to produce an open, goblet-shaped tree on top of a clear trunk with a balanced branch system
Prune in Nov to March whilst dormant
Plant in winter and cut single whip back to 50-60cm
2nd winter - remove DDDDXR first! Choose 4 branches for framework. Shorten by 1/2 to 1/3, cutting back to buds FACING OUTWARDS!!
3rd winter - remove DDDDXR first! Shorten main laterals by 1/2 to 1/3 - cutting laterals back to 4 BUDS helps to form fruiting spurs.
4th winter - remove DDDDXR first! Shorten branch leaders by 1/4 to encourage bushy growth.
State FOUR benefits of training apple trees as espaliers
Aesthetically pleasing
Allows good fruit production in a small space
Heavy fruit yield as more lateral spurs
Easy access to trees for maintenance and harvesting fruit.
Name ONE pest (excl. birds) and ONE control measure for strawberries
Two-spotted red spider mite:
Spray with fatty acids
Name ONE pest (excl. birds) and ONE control measure for raspberries
Raspberry beetle:
Pheromone trap
Name ONE pest (excl. birds) and ONE control measure for apples
Wasps:
- they make small holes on surface of fruit larger!
- protect fruit with muslin bags or tights, or beer traps (jam jar with wasp-sized hole in paper lid)
Name ONE pest (excl. birds) and ONE control measure for plums
Plum moth:
Fruits ripen early with a pink caterpillar inside - fruits misshapen.
Pheromone traps to catch male moths in spring
State THREE benefits of deep topsoil for fruit/veg production
Unimpeded root growth for veg and fruit trees
Good anchorage for fruit trees
Space for roots to spread and access nutrients
State THREE benefits of sandy soil for fruit/veg production
Very suitable for root veg crops
Free draining
Warms up early in spring
State THREE benefits of a south-facing slope for fruit/veg production
Higher light levels
Provides opportunity to extend growing season
Soil warms very quickly
State THREE benefits of neutral soil pH for fruit/veg production
Greatest range of veg crops can be grown
Widest range of nutrients available
Disorders and diseases less likely e.g. clubroot
State THREE benefits of a sheltered site for fruit/veg production
Better conditions for pollinators to fly
Less physical damage to fruit trees e.g. broken branches & blown off fruit
Reduces transpiration = reduced water loss
Reduces wind speed and wind rock to plants
Describe sowing courgette seeds into modules under each heading:
i) choice of growing medium
ii) filling the modules
iii) sowing the seeds
iv) aftercare
i) Seed compost, John Innes No.1 or multipurpose
ii) Overfill modules, including corners;
Tap/bang on bench to eliminate air pockets;
Strike off excess;
Slightly firm/tamp down so media is just below top rim of modules (for watering).
iii) April - sow 1-2 seeds per module at a depth of 2-3 cm;
Sow seeds on their sides to avoid rotting;
Push into growing media or make hole with dibber;
Label and water once sown.
iv) Keep in frost-free, light position e.g. heated propagator at 18-21 degrees C;
Keep moist but not waterlogged;
High humidity;
Monitor for slugs and pests;
If two seeds per module were sown, remove the weaker seedling!
List FOUR plant groups appropriate for a four-bed crop rotation system
Legumes
Brassicas
Roots & tubers
Alliums
Benefits of crop rotation
Increases soil fertility and nutrients
Soil is under less stress (low nutrient demand)
Allows a wide range of vegetables
Enables nitrogen fixed by legumes to be available for next crop e.g. brassicas
Reduces/limits soil borne pests and diseases
Allows liming for brassicas to reduce risk of clubroot/ avoids liming for potatoes which may cause scab
Improves soil structure and reduces erosion
Limitations of crop rotation
More skills and knowledge required
Keen commitment required!
Does not allow for personal preference of crops - choice can be restricted
Difficult to implement successfully in a small garden - large space needed
Difficult to include permanent crops e.g. rhubarb, asparagus
Not effective for long-term pests and diseases e.g. nematodes - and only effective for soil-borne P&D
Soil type may be suitable only for certain crops.
Describe the production of a crop of runner beans under each heading:
i) ONE named cultivar
ii) ONE appropriate support system
iii) direct sowing of the crop
iv) aftercare
i) ‘Red Rum’
ii) ‘A’-frame - use to support a double row;
Canes 2-2.4m long - 1 or 2 plants per cane;
Horizontal canes along top/ridge - tie tightly to keep frame rigid ;
Canes 60cm apart (row), 30-60cm apart in row.
iii) Direct sow in May/June (12 deg C or above) using dibber or trowel;
5cm deep. Sow at base of each cane, 30-60cm apart;
Cover with soil, label and water
iv) Keep watered;
Control slugs/pests - e.g. black bean aphids;
Encourage young plants to climb canes;
Check structure regularly for stability in exposed areas;
Remove weeds regularly - hoe
Pinch out tops when they reach top of canes;
Mulch;
Encourage pollinators;
Lime soil if necessary
Formative pruning/training for a plum tree - which methods best?
Fan or step-over are best - see apples for method!
Plum trees will not form productive espaliers.
Describe maintenance pruning of a spur-bearing apple tree
Once the framework is established, prune each winter.
After removing the DDDDXR material, prune new growth back to four to six buds.
If the spur systems become overcrowded, thin them out.
Describe maintenance pruning of a plum tree
Plums should be pruned in spring or summer.
If pruned in autumn/winter they are much more prone to bacterial canker and silver leaf infection.
Remove DDDDXR material.
Describe the importance of formative pruning for tree shape and yield
Formative pruning starts in the nursery and continues through the tree’s early years in its ultimate location.
Formative pruning helps the tree to establish a good, attractive branch structure as it grows.
Provides a strong, balanced, open, attractive framework.
Winter pruning of trained apples and early spring pruning of trained plums:
- encourages vigorous growth
- ensures that plants are kept free of congestion, giving space for fruits to develop
- prevents branches from rubbing on (and wounding) each other.
Summer pruning of trained fruit trees:
- encourages the formation of flowering (and therefore fruiting) buds
- allows light in to encourage fruit ripening.
Describe methods of training for apples
Fan, espalier, stepover, cordon
Fan:
central leader is cut out completely when the tree is young (encourages the laterals to develop to form main framework)
Laterals (side branches) are then pruned back to encourage sub-laterals to form.
The branches may need to be tied to canes with support wires, to keep them in the desired position - wires about 30 cm apart.
Espalier:
cut back the central leader in winter
laterals should grow vigorously after the leader has been removed - these are lowered gradually to the horizontal (forming the first tier of branches)
a new leader will have also grown. This is cut back in winter at the point where you want the next tier to form.
new laterals will then grow, which should be gradually lowered to form the second tier
process of cutting back the new leader and tying in the two new laterals is repeated each year until the required number of tiers has formed.
wires for the tiers should be 45-60 cm apart.
Step-over:
Unlike fans and espaliers, the central leader is not cut back to form a step-over.
Rather, the central leader is gradually lowered to the horizontal during the first growing season.
The horizontal is usually at about 30-60 cm above the ground level.
The laterals are pruned to encourage spur formation. They make good use of space and a nice edge to a bed.
Cordon:
Like the step-over, the central leader is not cut back.
Instead, when planting, the young tree is planted at 45 degrees.
To keep the tree at this angle, the tree is tied to a cane and the cane itself must be tied to the supporting wires.
The laterals are pruned to encourage spur formation. The support wires are about 60 cm apart.
Pruning a step-over - timing and method
SEPTEMBER.
Prune laterals to encourage spur formation.
Prune any re-growth to one leaf above previous cut
Leader/s - only cut when full length is reached.
Winter - DDDD, also spur thinning if required.
Describe how to plant blackcurrants:
i) site & soil
ii) spacing
iii) method of planting
i) Sunny, well-dug spot;
Sheltered;
Rich in manure/OM;
Moisture-retentive & free-draining;
pH of 6.5-7.0
ii) Bushes spaced 1.2-1.5m apart in all directions.
iii) Soak roots of bare-root plants beforehand;
Dig hole double size of container;
Deep enough to be 5cm deeper than in container;
Incorporate OM into hole;
Backfill soil around roots and firm in carefully;
Water and apply 10cm mulch (farm manure) around base of plant.
ONE pest of blackcurrants (excl. birds) and one control method
Blackcurrant gall midge:
Plant resistant cultivars e.g. ‘Ben Hope’
EIGHT factors to be considered when selecting a site for outdoor food production
Soil texture
Soil structure
Soil pH
(Soil) Drainage
Susceptibility to wind
Susceptibility to frost
Area (of land available)
Aspect
Availability of water
Access
Slope
Shade
Describe how soil pH may influence crop growth
pH of 6.5-7.00 is ideal for growing veg.
Brassicas prefer over 7.0 to avoid clubroot
Potatoes more prone to scab in alkaline soil
Blueberries require acid soil of pH 5.0
State how susceptibility to frost may influence crop growth
Frost damages seedlings, buds, fruit, fruitlets and mature plants
Frost pockets from at base of slopes and in areas of shade
Hedges across a slope can attract frost pockets also
Describe what is meant by a raised bed
An area of ground on top of which soil is thrown up from the surrounding paths to create mounds
Raised beds can also have a supporting framework, e.g. wood planks
Compost or organic matter can be incorporated into the soil
Ideal as no-dig beds
State the specification for a typical raised bed and paths
Length - 3m
Width - 1.5m
Height - dependent on use preference (e.g. if for disabled gardener) - at least 25cm.
Paths:
- 30cm wide min. for walking
- 45cm wide min. for wheelbarrow
- 1m wide for wheelchair
Name SIX distinct materials used to construct the framework of a raised bed
Timber planks
Scaffold boards
NEW railway sleepers
Bricks
Metal edging
Iron sheets
Describe production of a main crop of potatoes under following:
i) Named cultivar
ii) Planting (excluding ground prep)
i) Maris Piper
ii) Plant in late April;
Plant in narrow trench, 10-15cm deep;
Space 40cm apart, 60cm between rows;
Chitted shoots should face upwards;
Cover with soil and water and label.
Describe the term, “cut and come again” vegetables, give TWO crop examples
Term applies to a range of leafy salad and veg plants that can be harvested by cutting off leaves that then regrow and can be harvested again.
Allows several harvests over a long period of time.
e.gs. Chard
Rocket
Salad bowl lettuce
How does intercropping maximise vegetable production? Give two named examples
Intercropping is when different crops are planted in combination;
Multiple crops grow together in a bed rather than just one;
Smaller plants are planted between the rows of the larger plants;
Increases diversity to the plot;
Remember to allow enough space!
Plants do not compete with each other - they grow at different rates and to different sizes.
e.g. FAST-growing: lettuce, radish
SLOW-growing: leeks, Brussels sprouts
Describe production of a crop of raspberries under:
i) advantages of purchasing certified stock
ii) weed control
iii) harvesting
i) Raspberry canes that are certified stock are:
- true to type
- virus free
- disease free
ii) - Best weeded by hand (they are shallow-rooted);
- Hoe between rows but take care not to damage roots - suckers may form!
- Mulch to reduce weeds - well rotted farm manure or garden compost (50-100mm)
- Permeable membrane between rows;
- Glyphosate on established crops if necessary - for perennial weeds.
iii) - Summer fruiting harvested in July/Aug;
- Autumn fruiting harvested Sept/Oct;
- Pick carefully by hand on a dry day - early or late, when it’s cool;
- Should have a good colour, should come away easily laving core/plug behind;
Discard any diseased/damaged fruit;
Don’t pile too deeply on top of each other - easily damaged/squashed.
Describe harvest and storage of NAMED apple crop under:
i) named cultivar
ii) harvesting for storage
iii) method of storage
i) ‘Bramley Seedling’
ii) - Harvest for storage when slightly under-ripe and still firm;
- ‘Bramley’s Seedling’ is harvested in mid-autumn (sept/oct);
- Choose a cool, dry day;
- Fruits must be P&D-free, and bruise/blemish-free;
- Cup fruit in hand and twist - it should come away fairly easily with stalk intact.
iii) - Store in apple racks/drawers, wooden boxed, plastic bags;
- Vermin-free, dark, cool, frost-free
- In racks or boxes, wrap apples in greaseproof paper and not touching - prevents rot;
- In plastic bags, make a few holes to balance humidity & air circulation - place 4-5 apples in each bag, with top folded over but not sealed - keep in dark place.
Name FOUR non-living windbreaks
Hit & miss fencing
Willow/hazel hurdles
Paraweb
Trellis
Name FIVE living plant species suitable for use as a windbreak
Fagus sylivatica (Beech)
Taxus bacata (Yew)
Ilex aquifolium (Holly)
Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)
Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)
State FOUR benefits and THREE limitations of non-living windbreaks
Benefits:
- Take up little space, compared with a hedge - good for smaller sites
- Provides instant protection
- Quick and easy to erect
- Limited maintenance
Limitations:
- May be unsightly
- No benefit for wildlife
- Wooden fencing needs maintenance and replacing
State FOUR benefits and FOUR limitations of living windbreaks
Benefits:
- Beneficial to wildlife - creates habitats for birds, pollinators, predators
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Long-lived (compared to fencing)
- Naturally filters wind resulting in reduced crop damage.
Limitations:
- Takes time to establish and become effective
- Annual maintenance/trimming required
- Root competition with adjacent crops for water & nutrients
- May harbour pests & diseases.
Explain “no-dig” system of managing raised beds under:
i) soil structure
ii) weed control
iii) soil-borne pests
i)
- soil structure is maintained as it is not disturbed or walked on - no compaction;
- Addition of lots of OM enables worms and organisms to work the soil and incorporate the OM into the soil without the need for it to be dug in.
ii)
- Perennial weeds s/b removed before starting;
- Use of cardboard and thick layers of OM suppresses weed growth;
- Remove any weeds that do appear by hoe or hand;
- Occasional persistent perennial weeds could be spot-treated with Glyphosate (last resort!)
iii)
- Pests can build up in a soil that’s not been dug - the pests are not brought to surface for predators;
- A good soil ecosystem may enhance the pests vs predator balance and suppress some pests.
- no-dig minimises the spread of pests and diseases between beds (result of walking on soil)
State typical length and width of a raised bed
Length - 3m
Width - 1.5m
Describe production of a crop of carrots under:
i) sowing
ii) thinning
iii) harvesting
i) (sow by Drill method)
- Feb to June (7ºC) - sow thinly in a continuous line
- Drills 1-2cm deep, 2.5cm apart, rows spaced 15cm;
- Drills can be watered prior to sowing, or after they have been covered and labelled;
- Can also be sown under cloches in Feb/March.
ii)
- Thin to 3-7.5cm intervals to enable crop to reach full potential at maturity;
- Thin in evening to reduce attracting carrot root fly
- Remove any thinnings to prevent carrot root fly smelling them;
- Remove smaller carrots and use as baby veg;
- Water remaining crop to re-firm into ground.
iii)
- Harvest 12-16 weeks after sowing;
- Water soil prior to harvest to prevent roots breaking;
- Carefully lift using fork or by hand, pulling gently by the foliage;
- Twist leaves off after lifting.
Describe how quality and yield of an APPLE tree can be determined by:
i) base dressing
ii) weed control
iii) mulching
iv) irrigation
v) THREE named training systems
i) - a base dressing high in Phosphorus (e.g. bonemeal) incorporated into planting hole at time of planting will aid establishment and production of healthy root system;
= high quality, high yielding tree.
ii) - weeds compete for nutrients and water;
- may harbour P&D - detrimental to growth;
- apple trees need moisture to swell the fruit = weed control is essential for quality and yield of fruit.
iii) - apple trees benefit from mulch of well-rotted farm manure/garden compost/composted bark 5-10cm around base of tree, covering planting hole area but not touching trunk;
- mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds and adds nutrients = higher quality and yield from tree.
iv) If not watered, plant will suffer drought stress = wilting, chlorosis, premature ripening of fruit. Good irrigation = higher quality and yield.
v)
Espalier
Step-over
Cordon
(Horizontal training of spur-fruiting trees encourages more flowers and fruit to develop = better quality and higher yield.)
Describe the production of STRAWBERRIES under:
i) ONE named cultivar
ii) ground preparation
iii) planting
iv) harvesting
i)
‘Alice’ (mid season)
ii) - primary cultivation (digging) in spring/late summer;
- remove weeds;
- incorporated well rotted manure or garden compost into soil;
- secondary cultivation in spring - raking roughly level, consolidation;
- apply general-purpose fertiliser e.g. Growmore 100g/m2 before raking to rough tilth.
iii) - Plant Aug/Sept, - space 30-40cm in row; 60-70cm between rows;
- spread roots out in planting hole;
- crown of plant must rest on surface of soil to avoid crown rot;
- backfill with soil and gently firm;
- water in well
iv) - harvest June-Sept on a dry day in the morning (more juicy!);
- pick carefully when red/pink all over;
- avoid bruising. Calyx s/b intact;
- discard any damaged/mouldy fruits;
- don’t pile too many on top of each other to avoid bruising/crushing fruit.
List FIVE methods used to extend productive season of outdoor crops
Cold frame
Cloche
Low tunnel
Horticultural fleece
Enviromesh netting
