Outcome 1 - Site Selection

Question 1

List the factors to be considered when selecting a site to grow fruit or vegetables. (9)

Answer 1

• Soil depth
• Soil texture and structure
• Drainage
• pH
• Aspect
• Slope
• Susceptibility to frost and wind
• Area of land available
• Availability of water.

Question 2

State how soil depth is important to site selection.

Answer 2

Vegetables will thrive in soils around 30cm deep.

Fruit generally requires 45cm.

Question 3

State how soil pH is important in site selection.

Answer 3

Vegetables generally thrive in soil with a pH of 6.5 - 7.

Fruit generally prefers slightly acidic soils, at 6.5.

Question 4

State how soil structure and texture affects site suitability.

Answer 4

• Soils with a loam texture are preferable and easiest to work with
• Sandy soils can be too well-drained and poor in nutrients, but warm up quickly for early crops
• Heavy clay soils can be prone to waterlogging and are hard to work, but are fertile and cool slowly in the autumn for late crops
• Whatever the soil structure it can be improved over time.

Question 5

State how drainage affects site selection.

Answer 5

Both fruit and vegetables require soils with free drainage and good moisture retention.

Question 6

State how aspect affects site selection.

Answer 6

• Most fruit and vegetables do best in full sun but many can thrive in part shade (including lettuce, runner beans and soft fruits).
• South and south-west or south-east facing aspects are best.

Question 7

State how slopes can affect site selection.

Answer 7

• Soil cultivation on sloping sites can lead to soil erosion, so terracing may have to be considered
• A slight slope improves drainage
• A slight slope can also improve light access.

Question 8

State how susceptibility to frost and wind can affect site selection.

Answer 8

• Frost will often collect at the bottom of hills and in depressions in the landscape. These should be avoided (a lot of fruit blossom early in the season and frost damage will stop fruit developing)
• Shelter from wind is essential as wind can physically damage plants while also discouraging pollinating insects. Wind raises transpiration rates, leading to scorching.

Question 9

State how the area of land available affects site selection.

Answer 9

• The size of the land available determines the volume and even types of crops you’re able to grow
• Accessibility to the site also plays a crucial role, with consideration being given to vehicles, wheelbarrows, access for deliveries of bulky material, irrigation, greenhouse heating and lighting, etc.

Question 10

State how the availability of water affects site selection.

Answer 10

• A site must have access to a reliable and steady water supply, so plants can be watered as required.

Question 11

Why is it important to provide shelter or windbreaks in an outdoor production area?

Answer 11

• Strong winds can physically damage plants
• Strong winds can discourage pollinating insects
• Strong winds raise transpiration rates, leading to scorching or retarded growth
• Reduce pollution and noise

Question 12

State the benefits and limitations of living windbreaks.

Answer 12

Benefits

• Long-lived (if correctly maintained)
• Can be decorative (blossom, fruit, stems)
• Can act as wildlife havens
• Wide range of species can be used
• Can look formal or informal

Limitations

• Require regular maintenance
• Increase in size over time and take up a lot of space
• Compete with crops plants for light, water and nutrients
• May harbour pests and diseases.

Question 13

Name four plant species that could be used as living windbreaks.

Answer 13

• Fagus sylvatica (Beech - hardy native tree, retains dead leaves in winter)
• Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam - hardy native tree, retains dead leaves in winter)
• Escallonia ‘Apple Blossom’ (flowering evergreen hedge, salt/wind resistant)
• Ligustrum ovalifolium (Privet - dense, semi-evergreen hedge, maritime-tolerant).

Question 14

State the benefits and limitations of non-living windbreaks.

Answer 14

Benefits

• Take up less space than living windbreaks
• Remain the same size
• Can be repaired and adapted as required
• Last many years
• Can be temporary or long term
• Less maintenance than living windbreaks
• Don’t compete with plants for nutrients, light, space.

Limitations

• Finite lifespan
• Can be unattractive
• Less like to offer wildlife cover
• Can be expensive to build.

Question 15

List examples of non-living windbreaks.

Answer 15

• Mesh netting with posts at intervals (heights variable but usually not more than 2 - 3m)
• Wooden hurdles and trellising (e.g. hazel. Can blend well in garden environment)
• Woven wooden or bamboo screens (relatively short-lived, can sometimes be too impermeable to wind)
• Proprietary windbreaks (e.g. Paraweb. Permeable and lets through plenty of light).