The Vegetable Industry (Everything Else)

Greenhouse System

A clear building protects plants and seedlings from cold and other environmental factors, extending the growing season and productivity.

Hydroponic System

A method of growing plants in a soil-less solution. It uses less water, more plants can be grown in a smaller space, and they achieve faster growth.

Open Field Systems

This type of farming is often called "in ground growing" and is **the most common form of crop agriculture world wide.**

Organic Systems

A method of farming that does not use artificial means such as synthetic pesticides and herbicides, antibiotics, and bioengineering.

Raised Bed System

A form of garden design that improves soil drainage and quality, reduces weeds, and presents a barrier to pests. Soil or compost is piled on the surface of the natural ground and a wall is built around the pile.

What is direct seeding?

Putting seeds directly into the soil rather than planting seedlings.

What are transplanted seedlings?

When young plants are grown indoors then transplanted into the garden with roots and surrounding soil intact.

What is NPK in fertilizer?

The 3 most important soil nutrients for plant growth.

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium

What does nitrogen do?

Supports plants' rapid growth and encourages the healthy development of **dark green** foliage and fruit, so it is especially appropriate for **young plants.** 

What does phosphorus do?

Affects **root growth.** Transplanted plants and seedlings need this nutrient to help them establish their roots. It is also very important for **flowering and fruit production.**

What does potassium do?

It's involved in protein synthesis and in the **flow of nutrients and water** up and down the plant. It is the **"ALL AROUND"** nutrient because it affects all the cells in a plant.

What is drip irrigation?

It uses small pipes that slowly drip water just above ground to conserve water to use for crops.

What is overhead spray irrigation?

When water is piped to one or more central locations and distributed by overhead high pressure sprinklers or guns.

What is flood irrigation?

When water is poured through canals and waterways so that it flows through fields

What is lateral move irrigation?

A huge series of wheels pushed along the field by water pressure to water crops.

What is center pivot irrigation?

It waters crops using sprinkler systems hung on huge **turning wheels around a central point.** 

Gravitational Water (unavailable to plants)

Water held at low pressures that will drain freely down through and out of the soil in response to gravity.

Hygroscopic Water (unavailable to plants)

Soil water held tightly by sediment particle grains

Capillary Water (available to plants)

Water held between soil particles by capillary forces (attraction between positive and negative ions).

Cultural (Pest/Weed Control Methods)

Start with *the decisions you make* when choosing and caring for plants. Prevention is your first line of defense; healthy, nurtured plants resist pests and diseases better than weak, unhealthy plants. 

Mechanical/Physical (Pest/Weed Control Methods)

You, with your hands, feet, equipment you install, etc... go directly after pests to capture them, kill them, and/or prevent them from reaching their destinations (your plants!). 

Biological (Pest/Weed Control Methods)

 Conserves, supports and encourages natural enemies of pests, weeds, insects and diseases.

Chemical (Pest/Weed Control Methods)

***Used only when other controls fall short***, an effective program includes pesticides for prevention and active treatment.

What is humus?

The organic component of soil, formed by soil microorganisms that break down plant and animal matter.

What is loam?

A well balanced soil with roughly equal proportions of sand (40%), silt (40%), clay (20%), and containing adequate humus for plant growth.

What is sand?

The **largest** particles in loam and creates water drainage and air pores.

What is silt?

**Medium sized** soil particle is made up of rock and mineral particles that are larger than clay but smaller than sand.

What is clay?

The **finest (smallest)** soil particle, rich in minerals but too small to allow air and water to infiltrate.

Amount of full (direct) sunlight needed to grow vegetables.

6-8 hours a day.

**1st and most important** thing to plan for with new garden site?

Access to water