Past paper June 2022 Flashcards
name 4 factors to be considered when selecting a site for outdoor food production
soil texture
soil structure
aspect
slope
susceptibility to wind
drainage
susceptibility to frost
describe how soil texture may influence crop growth
sandy soils warm up more quickly in spring enabling earlier crops.
Nutrients are easily leached from sandy soils and require additional fertiliser regimes.
clay soils are cold and slow to warm in spring - they are nutrient rich but prone to water logging which may cause crown/root rot.
describe how soil pH may influence crop growth
A pH of 6.5 - 7.0 is ideal for growing veg-most nutrients available.
Blueberries require acidic soil pH 5.0
Brassicas prefer alkaline soil, pH 7.0+ to avoid club root
Potatoes are more prone to scab in alkaline soil
what soil pH are potatoes more likely to get scab in?
an alkaline, pH 7.0+
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.
They can also have a supporting framework.
Compost or OM can be incorporated into the soil.
State the specification for a typical raised bed and paths.
width 1.2 - 1.6m
length 2.5 - 3m
Height dependent on the use (accessible for a disabled gardener?)
Paths 30cm minimum for walking.
45cm minimum for a wheelbarrow
1m for wheelchair access
state the widths of paths for a typical raised bed area
Paths 30cm minimum for walking.
45cm minimum for a wheelbarrow
1m for wheelchair access
Name two distinct materials used to construct the framework of a raised bed.
Timber planks
scaffold boards
new railway sleepers
Metal edging
iron sheets
NB: recycled railway sleepers are often contaminated with tar/creosote and should NOT be used for veg and fruit bed framework.
describe the production of a main crop potato under the following headings; named cultivar
Cara, Maris Piper, King Edward, Desiree
describe the production of a main crop potato under the following headings; planting
plant in a narrow trench
10-15cm deep
35-40cm apart
rows are 67-75cm apart
the chitted shoots should face upwards, covered with soil and watered.
describe the production of a main crop potato under the following headings; harvesting
harvest when haulms have started to collapse.
(usually Aug onwards)
Lift with a fork to avoid damage to tubers
Harvest all to avoid pest/disease in future
Remove excess soil
leave on soil to dry for 2-3hrs prior to storage
Describe what is meant by the term ‘cut and come again’ vegetables giving two names crop examples.
the term is applied to a range of leafy salad and veg plants that can be harvested, re-grow and harvested again.
It allows several harvests over a long period of time.
eg; Chard, loose leaf/salad bowl lettuce, Mizuna, Rocket, Pack Choi
Name some examples of cut and come again vegetables.
Chard, loose leaf/salad bowl lettuce, Mizuna, Rocket, Pack Choi
Explain how intercropping can be used to maximise vegetable production
rapid grown crops are sown/grow between rows of slower growing crops.
It maximises production from an area.
The rapid growing crop is harvested before the slower growing crop matures.
name some rapid growing crops used for intercropping
lettuce
salad leaves
rocket
raddish
name some slower growing crops for intercropping
parsnip
leeks
garlic
beetroot
main crop potatoes
Describe the production of a crop of raspberries under each of the following heading; advantages of purchasing certified stock
true to type
virus free
canes will be disease free
Describe the production of a crop of raspberries under each of the following heading ; weed control
they are shallow rooted so weed by hand
Hoe between the rows-avoid damaging roots of canes as suckers may form.
Mulch to suppress weeds with well rotted FYM 50-100mm deep
You can spot treat perennial weeds with the herbicide Glyphosate where there are established crops.
Describe the production of a crop of raspberries under each of the following heading; HARVESTING
pick carefully by hand on a dry day early am or late pm when cool.
Berries should have a good colour and leave the canes easily.
The plug (core) should be left behind.
Discard diseased/damaged fruit
Do not pile fruit deeply on top of each other as fruits are easily damaged.
when do you harvest summer fruiting raspberries?
July/August
When do you harvest autumn fruiting raspberries?
September/October.
Describe the harvesting and storage of a named apple crop under each of the following headings; NAMED CULTIVAR
Bramley’s Seedling
Braeburn
Cox’s Orange Pippin
Describe the harvesting and storage of a named apple crop under each of the following headings; HARVESTING FOR STORAGE
harvest when slightly under-ripe and still firm.
Bramley Seedling is harvested mid-autumn
Harvest on a cool, dry day
Must be pest and disease free
Bruise and blemish free
Cup fruit in hand, twist and it should come away fairly easily with the stalk intact.
when is the apple Bramley Seedling harvested?
Bramley Seedling is harvested mid-autumn
Describe the harvesting and storage of a named apple crop under each of the following headings; METHOD OF STORAGE
Store in racks, drawers, wooden boxes, plastic bags
Keep in a vermin-free, cool, frost free location.
Temps 3-5’
if in wooden boxes - wrap individually in greaseproof paper and not touching to prevent rot.
If in plastic bags, make sure there are some holes for air circulation and balance humidity
Describe the harvesting and storage of a named apple crop under each of the following headings; storing in plastic bags
If in plastic bags, make sure there are some holes for air circulation and balance humidity
place 4-5 apples in a bag
The top of the bag is folded over but not sealed
Keep in a dark place
