R2113 June 21 Flashcards
State 2 distinct benefits of deep topsoil for fruit and veg production
Beneficial for unimpeded root growth for vegetables and fruit trees
Provides good anchorage for fruit trees
Provides more space for the roots of plants to spread and access nutrients
State 2 distinct benefits of deep topsoil for fruit and veg production
Free draining
Warms up early in the spring
Very suitable for root vegetable crops
State 2 distinct benefits of a south facing slope for fruit and veg production
Higher light levels
Warmest aspect, warms up very quickly
Provides opportunity to extend the growing season
State 2 distinct benefits of a neutral pH for fruit and veg production
Greatest range of vegetable crops can be grown
Widest range of nutrients are available for plant uptake
Less likely to have problems with diseases eg clubroot
State 2 distinct benefits of a sheltered site for fruit and veg production
Better conditions for pollinators to fly
Reduces wind speed and wind rock to plants
Less physical damage to fruit trees e.g. broken branches
Describe growing courgette seeds in modules - choice of growing medium
A seed compost, John Innes No. 1 or a multi-purpose compost is suitable
Describe sowing courgette seeds into modules - filling the modules
Modules are overfilled with the growing media, ensuring that the corner modules are adequately filled. The modules are tapped/banged on the bench to eliminate air pockets and excess growing media is struck off level. The modules are slightly firmed to ensure that the growing media is just below the top of the modules to allow for watering
Describe sowing courgette seeds into modules - sowing the seeds
Courgette seeds are sown 1-2 seeds per modules, on their sides to avoid rotting at a depth of 2-3cm. Seeds can be pushed into the growing media or placed into a hole made with a dibber. Modules are labelled and watered once the seeds are sown.
Describe sowing courgette seeds into modules - Aftercare
Modules should be kept in a frost free, light position. A heated propagator at a temp of 18-12 deg C is ideal. Modules should be kept moist but not waterlogged with a high humidity and monitored for pests eg slugs. If two seeds were sown per modules the weaker seedling should be discarded.
State 3 benefits of crop rotation
Reduces soil borne pests and diseases.
Enables nitrogen fixed by legumes to be available for the next crop eg brassicas
Allows specific soil preparation for specific crops
Allows liming of brassicas to reduce the risk of clubroot.avoid liming for potatoes with may cause scab.
State 3 limitations of crop rotation
Difficult to implement crop rotation successfully in a small garden
Not effective for long term pests and diseases eg nematodes
Difficult to include permanent crops eg asparagus
Does not allow for personal preference of crops.
Name an appropriate support system for runner beans
An A frame can be used to support a double row of runner beans. The canes/poles are 2m long with one or 2 plants per cane. Horizontal canes run along the top and are tied tightly to keep the frame rigid. The canes should be 60cm apart between the rows and 20-60cm apart in the row.
Describe how to direct sow runner beans
Runner bean seeds are direct sown in may-June using a dibber or trowel. Seeds are sown at the base of each cane/pole 30-60cm apart and 5cm deep. All seeds are covered with soil, labelled and watered.
Describe the aftercare for a crop of runner beans
Germinating seeds should be kept watered and epests such as slugs and black bean aphids need to be controlled. Young plants need to be encouraged to climb the support structure which should be regularly checked for stablity in exposed areas. Weeds must be removed, and the tops of plants should be pinched out when they reach the top of the canes.
Name an appropriate rootstock for an apple or pear stepover
Apple - M9 or M27
Pear - Quince C or Pyrodwarf
