Topic 2 - Productive Growing Flashcards
Traditional Gardening - Key facts about this system
In the ground, in rows
Soil is prepared by digging
Pest control is companion planting, barriers, some pesticides
Crop rotation
Traditional Gardening - Advantages of this systems
Simplicity: Traditional gardening methods are straightforward and do not require complex technology or equipment.
Flexibility
Quick start up
Traditional Gardening - Dis Advantages of this systems
Labour-Intensive: can require significant manual labor for planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting.
Soil Degradation: Repeated tilling and certain chemical fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and loss of fertility over time.
Minimum cultivation - Key facts
Reduced Tilling: Minimizes soil disturbance, preserving soil structure and microorganisms.
Soil Health: Promotes the retention of organic matter and nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and moisture retention.
Erosion Prevention: Reduces soil erosion by maintaining a protective cover over the soil.
Labor Saving: Decreases the physical labor needed for traditional tilling and digging.
Minimum cultivation - Advantages
Soil Structure Preservation: Avoids disruption of the natural soil structure and layers, supporting a healthy soil ecosystem.
Weed Suppression: Uses mulches and compost layers to suppress weeds, reducing the need for weeding.
Water Conservation: Helps retain soil moisture through mulching, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Soil Fertility: Builds soil fertility over time by adding organic matter on the surface, which decomposes and enriches the soil below.
Minimum cultivation - Dis Advantages
Initial Setup: Establishing a no-dig garden can require substantial initial input of organic materials.
Pest Management: Can sometimes require more careful pest management strategies since soil pests are not disrupted by tilling.
Adapting Practices: Transitioning from traditional methods to no-dig practices may require a learning curve and adaptation period.
Raised beds - Key facts about this system
Elevated garden plots constructed above the native soil level, typically enclosed by a frame made of wood, stone, concrete, or other materials.
Raised beds - Advantages
Better Drainage: Elevated beds prevent waterlogging, reducing root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Soil Compaction Reduction: Minimizes soil compaction as gardeners do not walk on the planting area, preserving soil structure.
Extended Growing Season: Raised beds warm up faster in the spring and can be covered to protect plants from frost, extending the growing season.
Accessibility: Easier to maintain, especially for people with limited mobility, as the elevated height reduces the need for bending and kneeling.
Raised beds - disadvantages
Initial Cost: Building raised beds can be more expensive than traditional in-ground gardens due to materials and soil.
Watering Needs: Raised beds may dry out more quickly and need regular watering, especially in hot climates.
Soil Maintenance: Requires periodic addition of organic matter to maintain soil fertility and structure.
Certificated organic production as certified by the soil association - Key facts
Inorganic fertilisers are prohibited
Pesticides and Chemicals
GM Crops
Soil fertility built up slowly
Certificated organic production as certified by the soil association - Advantages
Lower impact on the environment
More sustainable
Climate-friendly (pollution or water quality)
Certificated organic production as certified by the soil association - Dis Advantages
Lots of paperwork
Lots of knowledge of soil required
Labour intensive
Difficult to acquire manure
Square foot gardening - Key facts
Developed in the 1970’s
Raised beds don’t have soil to prevent weeds
Squares one foot long and wide
Square foot gardening - Advantages
Can be installed even where there is no soil
Can be raised to an accessible height
Limited size and simplicity ideal for schools
High yields from small space
Rapid to install and set up
Square foot gardening - Dis Advantages
Time consuming
Limiting for experienced gardener
Beds will dry out quicker
Hydroponics - Key facts
Grows plants in water
Nutrients dissolved in water
Grown in inert medium (Perlite/rockwool)
Or nutrient film technique - water in a gutter
Aquaponics
Like hydroponics but uses fish i the water to provide the nutrients
Criteria for the selection of crops
Soil, aspect (sunny), Space available, Time available to look after, facilities (greenhouse)
What factors would affect the choice of crops for a Community Garden
Need to take into account the interests of the users
They may want unusual or educational choices
What is a catch crop
Plants that are quick maturing
Advantages of crop rotation
Increased soil fertility
Increased crop yield
Reduced soil erosion
Reduced pest and diseases
Reduced weeds
What is succession planting
Maximizes the use of space and time in a garden by continuously planting crops throughout the growing season.
This method ensures a steady supply of fresh produce and efficient use of garden space.
Examples of perennial crops
Rhubarb - Rheum rhabarbarum
Chives - Allium schoenoprasum
Disadvantages of using fleece
Made of single use plastic
Raising humidity raises chances of pests and diseases
Takes up space around the crop
How would you use bulky organic matter to improve soil to include where could it be used and how.
This practice enhances soil structure, fertility, moisture retention, and microbial activity.
How would bulky organic matter improve soil yields.
Improved Soil Structure: Enhances aeration, water infiltration, and root penetration.
Increased Soil Fertility: Supplies essential nutrients as the organic matter decomposes.
Enhanced Moisture Retention: Helps soil retain moisture, reducing irrigation needs.
Microbial Activity: Encourages beneficial microorganisms that support plant health.
Erosion Control: Organic matter helps bind soil particles, reducing erosion.
What are the limitations of bulky organic matter to improve soil yields
Decomposition Rate
Nutrient Imbalance
Volume and Weight/Labour requirements
Pest Attraction
How would you use Lime to improve soil and include where could it be used and how.
To improve soil quality by adjusting pH levels, enhancing nutrient availability
Test and then apply as required
How would Lime improve soil yields.
pH Adjustment
Neutralizes Acidity: Raises soil pH to optimal levels (6.0-7.0 for most plants).
Nutrient Availability
Improves Nutrient Uptake: Enhances the availability of essential nutrients like phosphorus and molybdenum.
Soil Structure
Enhances Aggregation: Improves soil texture and structure, promoting better root growth and water infiltration.
Microbial Activity
Stimulates Beneficial Microorganisms: Creates a more favorable environment for soil microbes that aid in nutrient cycling.
What are the limitations of using Lime to improve soil yields
Over application
Delayed effects or time taken to make an effect
Environmental issues
Handling concerns
Cost Benefits
How would you use Biochar to improve soil and include where could it be used and how.
Form of charcoal produced by heating organic material (such as wood, crop residues, or manure) in the absence of oxygen.
Tilling: Incorporate biochar into the top 6-12 inches of soil using a tiller or plow. This ensures even distribution and integration with the soil.
Mixing with Compost: Blend biochar with compost before application. This enhances nutrient availability and microbial activity.
Surface Application and Mulching: For perennial plants and trees, biochar can be applied to the soil surface and covered with mulch.
How would Biochar improve soil yields.
Improves Soil Structure: Enhances soil aeration, water retention, and drainage.
Increases Nutrient Retention: Reduces nutrient leaching and improves nutrient availability to plants.
Enhances Microbial Activity: Provides a habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms.
Reduces Soil Acidity: Acts as a liming agent, helping to raise soil pH.
Sequesters Carbon: Long-term carbon storage helps mitigate climate change.
What are the limitations of Biochar
Initial Cost: Biochar can be expensive to produce or purchase, especially in large quantities.
Nutrient Lock-Up: Uncharged biochar can temporarily lock up nutrients, making them unavailable to plants. Charging biochar before application is crucial.
Soil Type Variability: The benefits of biochar can vary depending on soil type and existing soil conditions. Conduct small-scale trials to determine its effectiveness in specific soils.
How would you use Vermicompost to improve soil and include where could it be used and how.
Worm output can be used to improve soil quality or to give it a boost
How would Vermiculture improve soil yields.
Nutrient-Rich: Vermicompost is rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Improves Soil Structure: It enhances soil aeration and water retention, improving the overall structure.
Increases Microbial Activity: Vermicompost boosts beneficial microbial activity, aiding in nutrient cycling and disease suppression.
Organic Matter: It adds organic matter to the soil, improving its texture and fertility.
What are the limitations of Vermiculture compost
Small production amounts
Variable quantity
Weather related
Initial set up costs
How would organic fertilisers improve soil yields.
Nutrient Supply, released slowly over time
Improved soil structure, aeration and water retention
Stimulates growth of soil microbes
Reduced chemical dependency (sustainability)
What are the limitations of organic fertilisers to improve soil yield
Lower Nutrient Concentrations
Higher initial costs
Slow release
Bulk and handling
Inconsistent
How would synthetic fertilisers improve soil yields.
Rapid uptake because of its soluble formulation
Accurate dosage
Reliable
Readily available and lower cost
What are the limitations of synthetic fertilisers to improve soil yields.
Can be overused
Leaching into groundwater
High cost to the environment
How would Green manures improve soil yields.
Nutrient Enrichment (nitrogen in particular)
Adds organic matter to the soil, improving its structure, aeration, and water-holding capacity.
Weed Suppression and reducing soil erosion from wind and water, and protecting the topsoil.
What are the limitations of Green Manures to improve soil yields
Need to get timing and crop rotation synchronised
Establishment and Incorporation: Green manures require labor and machinery for planting and incorporation into the soil, which can be labor-intensive and costly.
Management Skills: Successful use of green manures requires knowledge of appropriate species selection, timing, and management practices.
Soil Moisture: Green manure crops can use significant amounts of soil moisture during their growth,
How to use crop rotation as a cultural control to reduce competition from weeds when growing vegetables on a large scale
Strategic planning and implementation of diverse cropping sequences to disrupt weed life cycles, reduce weed seed bank, and enhance soil health.
Different growth habits, rooting depths, and planting and harvesting times. This diversity makes it harder for weeds to adapt and dominate.
How to use green manures as a cultural control to reduce competition from weeds when growing vegetables on a large scale
Dense growth and allelopathic properties of green manures inhibit weed establishment and growth.
How to use crop density as a cultural control to reduce competition from weeds when growing vegetables on a large scale
Dense growth inhibit weed establishment and growth.
How to use intercropping and undersowing as a cultural control to reduce competition from weeds when growing vegetables on a large scale
Reduces the amount of exposed soil and therefore prevents weeds. Also takes up the available water.
How to use clean seed as a cultural control to reduce competition from weeds when growing vegetables on a large scale
Clean seed minimizes the introduction of weed seeds into fields, leading to less weed competition and lower weed management costs.
How to use minimal cultivation as a cultural control to reduce competition from weeds when growing vegetables on a large scale
Mulching and cover crops provide weed suppression
Leaving the soil prevents weed seed being brought closer to the surface
How to use manure strategy (using and not using) as a cultural control to reduce competition from weeds when growing vegetables on a large scale
Can stimulate weed growth, so need to ensure they are applied very accurately.
How to use stale seed bed as a cultural control to reduce competition from weeds when growing vegetables on a large scale
Weeds are allowed to grow 4 weeks before planting and then flushed out before they can seed.
How does the direct control - mechanical weed control work to reduce competition from weeds. In what situations can it be used.
Can basic hand tools to sophisticated tractor driven or self-
propelled devices.
Soil type, dryness of the soil, type of weed will all be factors
How does the direct control - manual weed control work to reduce competition from weeds. In what situations can it be used.
Most obvious answer and the best for annual weeds and some perennial weeds.
Best hand pulling or using a hoe
Best in a gang
How does the direct control - thermal weed control work to reduce competition from weeds. In what situations can it be used.
Flame weeding can be used in preparing stale seedbeds before
crops are sown, and also when shielded between rows, but it is
difficult to use them successfully without collateral damage to
the crop.
How does the direct control - biological weed control work to reduce competition from weeds. In what situations can it be used.
The release of organisms that attack plants to control weeds.
Lots of potential little evidence of success
How does the direct control - allelopathy weed control work to reduce competition from weeds. In what situations can it be used.
Plants are used to reduce the vigour and development of other plants.
This can be through the release of allelochemicals while the plant is growing, or from plant residues as it rots down.
How does the direct control - chemical control strategies control work to reduce competition from weeds. In what situations can it be used.
Glysophate for example
Example of ephemeral weed and method for removal
Cardamine hirsuta - hoeing, smother or hand pull
Example of annual weed and method for removal
Veronica persica - hoeing, smother or hand pull. Stale seed bed
Example of perennial weed
Cirsium arvense
How and where can the emerging technology - hot foam be used to control weeds
A mixture of foam and glysophate. The foam holds the mixture in place better than liquid
How and where can the emerging technology - steam/hot water be used to control weeds
Water is heated to 120 degrees. Doesn’t always kill the roots only the leaves.
How and where can the emerging technology - Electro weeding be used to control weeds
Electric passes into the weeds and down to the roots
How and where can the emerging technology - thermal hot air lances be used to control weeds
Similar to flame gun but uses electricity as the fuel source
If plants are produced to a closer spacing what effect does it have on each plants overall size
Plants are smaller but space is maximised
What makes the application of water during sowing/transplanting at the right time and in the right quantity critical
To ensure germination or establishment
What makes the application of water during flowering/fruit set at the right time and in the right quantity critical
Assists with pollination
What makes the application of water during bulking up at the right time and in the right quantity critical
Helps the fruit increase its weight and bulk
What does the term field capacity mean
The amount of water a soil can hold against gravity - typically between 10 - 55% of volume
What does the term available water content mean
Water that is available to to the plants in the soil
What does the term Water balance sheet mean
The term “water balance sheet” refers to a comprehensive accounting of the inflows, outflows, and storage changes of water within a defined system or area over a specific period. It is similar to a financial balance sheet but for water resources, providing a snapshot of water availability and usage.
How does soil texture affect water conservation
Sandy looses water, clay retains, loam is ideal
How does soil structure affect water conservation
Good soil structure helps to retain water
How does soil organic matter content affect water conservation
Enables better retention of water
How does minimal/reduced cultivation help to affect water conservation
Improving soil structure and reducing compaction.
Increasing water infiltration and retention.
Enhancing organic matter and soil health.
Reducing erosion and preserving topsoil.
Decreasing evaporation losses through surface cover and temperature regulation.
Improving water use efficiency by promoting better root development and water distribution.
Facilitating groundwater recharge and sustaining base flow.
How does using particulate or sheet mulches help to affect water conservation
Reducing evaporation and retaining soil moisture.
Enhancing water infiltration and distribution.
Regulating soil temperature.
Preventing soil erosion and protecting soil structure.
Enhancing soil health through organic matter and microbial activity.
Suppressing weeds and reducing competition for water.
Promoting groundwater recharge.
Providing aesthetic and functional benefits to the landscape.
How does sowing density/crop density help to affect water conservation
Enhancing water use efficiency through better root coverage and water uptake.
Reducing soil evaporation via improved canopy coverage and microclimate maintenance.
Improving soil moisture retention through natural mulch effects and increased organic matter.
Reducing soil erosion by stabilizing soil structure with a dense root network.
Suppressing weed growth, thereby reducing competition for water.
Supporting microbial activity, which enhances soil structure and water-holding capacity.
Improving crop resilience and yield, reducing the need for additional irrigation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hand watering
Labour intensive
Most accurate way of transporting water
Go way on ensuring nothing is over watered
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hose pipe watering
Good for larger areas
Can result in some wastage
Relatively flexible
Needs tap and long enough hose
What are the advantages and disadvantages of overhead sprinklers
Uniform water distribution and adjustable spray patterns.
Ease of installation, operation, and potential for automation.
Versatility for different crops, soils, and mobility.
Cooling effects and frost protection capabilities.
Capability for fertigation and chemical applications.
Disadvantages:
Water efficiency issues due to evaporation and runoff.
Potential for disease spread due to leaf wetting.
Costs associated with installation and ongoing maintenance.
Sensitivity to wind and adverse weather conditions.
Dependence on adequate water pressure and energy consumption.
Risk of soil erosion from water impact.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of drip irrigation
Drip irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation, is a method of delivering water directly to the base of plants through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters
Advantages:
High water efficiency with reduced evaporation and runoff.
Improved plant health and yield through targeted watering.
Prevention of soil erosion.
Efficient nutrient delivery via fertigation.
Adaptability to various terrains.
Lower energy use due to low-pressure operation.
Reduced incidence of foliar diseases.
Disadvantages:
High initial setup cost and complex installation.
Regular maintenance and monitoring required.
Susceptibility to physical damage and clogging.
Limited effectiveness in heavy clay soils.
Initial learning curve for proper system management.
No frost protection capabilities.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of soaker hose systems
Where water seeps out through the walls of a porous hose, providing slow, steady water directly to the soil around plants.
High water efficiency with reduced evaporation and targeted watering.
Easy installation and flexible use.
Cost-effective for small to medium-sized gardens.
Prevention of soil erosion.
Reduced weed growth due to localized watering.
Compatibility with mulching to maintain soil moisture.
Improved plant health through dry foliage.
Disadvantages:
Limited coverage and potential uniformity issues.
Maintenance needs due to clogging and physical damage.
Sensitivity to water pressure variations.
Efficiency varies with soil type.
Limited lifespan due to material degradation.
Initial learning curve for proper installation and use.
What horticultural sources will give you up to date information on productive growing techniques.
Centre for Horticultural Research (CHR) at the University of Reading
RHS
Various trade bodies
How are trials and research findings used to inform best practice
Was the trial scientific by an objective group
Can the changes be scaled up
Are the changes relevant to your cultivation practices
What are the main principles of the Soil Association
Co-exist rather than dominate
Sustain or build soil fertility
Programme for supply of nutrients
Programme of control of weeds, pests and iseases
Ethical treatment of animals
Protect and enhance existing environments
Maintain existing landscape features
What is the minimum depth of topsoil to grow veg
20 - 30 cms
What is an Ameliorant
Inorganic and organic soil conditioning products to improve soil quality
What is the criteria for crop selection
What is the extent of the space available for growing crops?
* Is the site in full sun, is it sheltered, perhaps a
walled or enclosed garden?
* What is the aspect, and does it have
microclimate issues like a frost pocket?
* What is the soil like, is the pH suitable for
growing most crops?
* Are there any pre-existing problems to
consider, like poor drainage or pest and
disease issues with the soil?
* How much time is going to be allocated to looking after this area (from the overall
time needed to maintain the site)?
Are there any existing garden facilities which will help with crop production, like a greenhouse to raise seedlings, cold frames for hardening off young plants, or cloches for frost protection?
What factors will influence the choice of crops in a community garden
Is the plan to bring users and volunteers together to cook and eat the produce, sharing recipes and experiencing new tastes, or to take part in a project like the RHS’s ‘Big Soup Share’ which tries to involve a wider community and boost social inclusion?
Or are the crops being grown to share out (sell or give away in vegetable boxes through the year) in which case maximum yield will be important?
What is the final criteria for the choice of crops
- What do people want to eat?
- Does anyone involved in the garden have favourite cultivars – an extra-hot chilli
- What crops can be grown to give fresh produce for most of the year?
- Are there disease resistant cultivars which will make growing some crops easier?
- What sort of yield can be expected – how much space should be allocated to get a reasonable harvest?
- Are there cultivars with an AGM which suggest they would be more successful than others?
What is crop rotation ?
Vegetables can be grouped with similar characteristics and therefore similar pests and diseases as well as nutritional requirements.
Each group is therefore grown in a different part of the garden each year.
Three main reasons for crop rotation
Pests and Diseases
Depletion of nutrients
Suppressing weeds
Example of pests (3) if same crops grown in same area each year
Eelworm affects potatoes and tomatoes
Onion rot all alliums
Cabbage rot all brassicas
Examples of different plants requiring different nutrients (benefits of crop rotation)
Cabbages - nitrogen
Tomatoes - Calcium
Beets and Beans - Manganese
Examples of plants with different root depths that influence crop rotation
Lettuce - shallow
Carrots and Sweet corn - deep roots
That means they access nutrients at different levels
Within crop rotation what is meant by “Clearing crop” and examples
Potatoes are an example - dense foliage suppresses weeds and when they are dug up - slugs and wireworm are brought to the surface.
Disadvantages of crop rotation
Need to keep detailed plans of what is grown each year
Detailed understanding of the different families
Don’t want equal areas of each crop type
Simple crop rotation plan
Roots, legumes, brassicas, potatoes
Brassicas after legumes
Lime before brassicas
Manure before potatoes
What are the five pillars of organic gardening
Build and maintain soil health
Encourage bio diversity
Use resources responsibly
Avoid harmful chemicals
Maintain a healthy growing area
What are the three pillars of sustainability
Economic
Social
Environment
Two examples of green manure
Clover - Essex red - Trifolium pratense
Bitter lupin - Lupinus angustifolius
What is the difference between intercropping and under sowing
Intercropping - similar plants that compliment
Undersowing - secondary crop underneath another to suppress weeds or to add nutrients
What does Air Filled Porosity mean
The amount of air in the soil or growing media
