Question 1

What does your soil pH mean?

	It means partly hard, partly crumbly.
	pH means hardpan clay.
	It means the level of air and water in the soil.
	pH refers to the acidity/alkalinity levels in your soil.
If you are not certain what your soil needs, buy a soil testing kit. This is an invaluable tool to help you gauge the health of your soil.

Question 2

What is a cover crop?

	A cover crop is a crop protected by shade cloth.
	A cover crop is one used to replenish the soil.
	A cover crop is one, like corn, that is underplanted with another type of crop.
	A cover crop is the first crop sown each season.
Alfalfa is a perennial with strong deep reaching roots. It fixes the soil with nitrogen, accumulates iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. It also has a long taproot which can improve almost all soils, but especially hard clay. Alfalfa´s roots can actually break up hard clay. In fact the roots are so strong that they can actually penetrate rock. Alfalfa is practically pest and disease free. It can also withstand dry conditions and rarely needs watering

Question 3

What is an amendment?

	Folding the earth over with a shovel many times.
	Adding a different mixture of seeds to already existing crops.
	I have no idea!
	Adding different nutrients to enrich or adjust soils.
For a great pick me up for poor soil, spread a 3 inch layer of compost over the planting area. For each 100 square feet, apply 20 pounds of cottonseed meal and one half cup of processed seaweed. Add soil sulfur. Till the amendments in to a depth of 6-12 inches and water in thoroughly. Allow the bed to rest 3-4 weeks before planting. In subsequent years, to refresh again, reduce the cottonseed meal by half and omit the sulfur, unless needed to adjust soil pH.

Question 4

What is liquid compost?

	A brand new product from Ortho.
	A liquified blend of non dairy table scraps.
	A brand new fertilizer from Safer brands.
	Well watered muddy compost.
Set the blender beside the sink. Put kitchen scraps of potato and orange peels -- everything except meat and dairy products -- in the blender, not down the disposal. Add water and whir at the end of the day. Pour directly onto the garden for instant compost. Remember: Plants have no teeth. They need a liquid diet.

Question 5

Why is steer manure not safe?

	It smells bad and can make you sick from the odor.
	It has too many weed seeds in it.
	It has harmful levels of salts in it and may contain listeria.
	It doesn´t "break" down.
Be very careful when applying manure of any type. Use only aged manures and remember that you don´t need a lot. Too much of a good thing can burn your plants. Continued heavy applications of manures may increase soil salts to harmful levels.

Question 6

What is side dressing?

	Adding amendments alongside your crops.
	Adding manure as a side of your amending.
	Salt for tomatoes.
	I dunno!
After tomato plants have established themselves and are starting to blossom, dig a furrow alongside the plants and lay some bone meal in it. This should be about 6 inches from the base of the plants to prevent burning. Cover lightly and water in well. The tomato roots will pick up much needed nutrients and respond by bearing better fruit.

Question 7

Should you fertilize when planting trees and shrubs?

	Yes, it is very important to getting of to a good strong start.
	It must be done to ensure strong root growth
	No! Trees and shrubs don´t require fertilizing.
	Fertilze the day before planting.
Don´t fertilise your trees. They generally don´t require it. Trees roots find ways of reaching proper nutrients. Many gardeners think that by fertilising their trees, that they are helping it grow better and faster. This is not the case. In fact, storm damaged or frosted trees can really be harmed by this practice. Landscapers often sell homeowners expensive tree fertilisers that are good for one thing, fattening their wallets. Don´t buy without consulting your local nurserymans association, or agricultural department.

Question 8

How can you tell if you have clay soil?

	It bounces.
	It is cold and heavy.
	It doesn´t crumble.
	You can make pottery with it.
Learn to recognize the feel and texture of good earth. It should compact ie lightly hold together when held in your hand. It should have a good, clean, earthy smell, with a crumbly texture.

Question 9

Why do you rotate crops?

	To prevent boredom, while planting.
	For design purposes.
	To give soil a rest.
	To add variety to your garden.
Don´t replant your vegetables in the same spot year after year. Constant replanting drains the soil of needed nutrients and encourages diseases. Learn to rotate your crops.

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