Greenhouse Q4 2026 Vocab Test

True Leaf

the second set of leaves produced by a germinating plant, appearing after the initial seed leaves (cotyledons). They are crucial because they resemble the shape and structure of the mature plant's leaves, enable photosynthesis for growth, and indicate the plant is ready for transplanting.

Pathogen

include fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses, all biological organisms that can cause disease symptoms and significantly reduce the productivity, quality, and even cause the death of plants

Nitrogen in Fertilizer

a nutrient-rich compound, either synthetic or organic, added to soil to provide essential nitrogen for plant growth, rapid green, leafy development, and improved crop yields

Phosphorus in fertilizer

a type of plant nutrition product that is a critical macronutrient essential for root development, flowering, and fruit set

Micronutrients

Unlike macro-nutrients these elements are needed in minute quantities but are critical for plant health, aiding in functions like enzyme activity, chlorophyll production, and nitrogen fixation.

Potassium in fertilizer

a nutrient essential for plant growth, crop yield, and overall food production, it is derived from ancient, mined sea salts and is critical for water retention, disease resistance, and robust root development in plants

Bolting

A verb describing what an annual plant does when it sends up a flower stalk and sets seed; the term is typically applied to cool season vegetable crops that go to seed prematurely as a result of hot weather

Row Cover

Lightweight garden fabric that allows sun, air, and moisture to pass through; used to cover planting beds, these are employed for a variety of purposes including holding in the sun’s warmth in spring or fall, shading plants in summer, and restricting the spread of pests and disease

Allium

Plant family that includes onions (including perennial onions), garlic, shallots, leeks, chives

Brassica

Plants family, which include many common vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, collards, kale, Brussels sprouts, and arugula

Benefits of Compost Tea

1. Compost tea enhances the soils ability to retain nutrients. The nutrients in the soil will runoff and be depleted less quickly. Therefore, there is less need to use other fertilizers.

2. An enriched population of beneficial microbes, introduced via compost tea, can increase the bioavailability of nutrients to plants. They break down organic matter and free up minerals. This means the plants can uptake nutrients from the soil more readily.

3. A healthy soil food web can buffer soil and plants against pollution. For example, compost-rich soil is excellent at reducing the impacts, uptake, and concentration of pathogens, contaminants, chemicals, and heavy metals that may be introduced or present in soil.

4. Compost tea can help improve the soils moisture retention properties. This prevents stress to plants by maintaining a more evenly moist soil, and reduces the need for more frequent watering.

5. Plants fed compost tea are reported to not only grow stronger, but also have a boosted immune system and improved ability to resist disease.

6. Likewise, it increases a plants ability to tolerate and rebound from stress such as drought or pests.

Ways to use compost tea

As a soil drench or a foliar spray

Difference between natural/organic fertilizer and synthetic fertilizer

Natural/organic fertilizers are derived from plant or animal matter, promoting soil health and microbial activity, while synthetic fertilizers are chemically manufactured, providing nutrients in concentrated forms but often lacking soil enrichment.

The benefits of natural/organic fertilizers

• Improved Soil Health: Natural fertilizers promote the growth of beneficial microbes in the soil, which helps break down organic matter and make nutrients more readily available to plants. This leads to healthier soil that retains moisture more effectively.

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Synthetic fertilizers can leach into waterways, causing harm to aquatic ecosystems. Natural fertilizers, on the other hand, are less likely to pollute and contribute to a more sustainable gardening practice.

• Safety for Children and Pets: Chemical fertilizers can be harmful if ingested by children or pets. Natural fertilizers pose a much lower risk, making your garden a safer space for everyone.

• Long-Term Benefits: While synthetic fertilizers provide a quick burst of nutrients, they can deplete essential elements over time. Natural fertilizers provide a slow and steady release of nutrients, promoting long-term soil health.

Types of Natural Fertilizers and Benefits

Compost- This nutrient-rich material is created by the decomposition of organic matter like food scraps, yard waste, and leaves. Compost feeds the soil microbiome, improves soil structure, and provides a slow-release source of essential nutrients for a wide range of plants.

Grass Clippings-A readily available source of nitrogen, grass clippings can be a valuable addition to your garden’s fertilizer arsenal. 3. Manure

Manure is a fantastic source of organic matter and nutrients for your garden. However, different types of manure have varying nutrient profiles.

Coffee Grounds: A good source of nitrogen, coffee grounds can add a slight acidity to your soil, making them ideal for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. However, use them in moderation as too much coffee can impede germination.

Eggshells: A natural source of calcium, eggshells can help improve cell wall strength in plants and deter some pests like snails and slugs. Crush eggshells before adding them to your garden bed or compost pile.

Fish Emulsion: Made from pressed fish scraps, fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. While effective, fish emulsion has a strong odor. Dilute it heavily before applying it to your plants.

Seaweed Extract: Packed with micronutrients and beneficial kelp, seaweed extract can stimulate plant growth and improve overall plant health. Seaweed extract is available in liquid or powder form.

Cover Crops: Planting cover crops like clover or ryegrass in your garden beds during the off-season adds organic matter to the soil, fixes nitrogen, and suppresses weeds. Till the cover crops under before planting your main crops.

Compost Tea: Steep composted manure or compost in water for a few days. Dilute the resulting tea before feeding it to your plants.