Since everyone knows the value of choosing fresh, organic produce for your health and well being, what better way to have this than to grow it yourself! For tips on everything from actual garden spaces to the plants to grow, from natural pest control to composting, check these sites (and others!) on the Internet: www.organicgardening.com; www.organic-gardening.net; www.organicgardeninfo.com; or www.gardenersnet.com

Organic Gardening

Here is some great organic gardening information to get your spring off to a vibrant start!

1. Which of the following is not a common technique in organic vegetable gardening?

a. Using compost to fertilize.
b. Planting root vegetables in straight rows.
c. Using insects to deter pests.
d. Plant rotation.


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2. What is the purpose of cover crops in organic gardening?

a. Pest control.
b. To protect vegetables from too-harsh sun.
c. Hide plants from large animals.
d. To beautify the garden.


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3. Which of the following are important steps to take when pruning a garden?

a. Make sure the plants actually need to be trimmed.
b. Cut off all dead or dying branches.
c. Cut a tree to its natural shape.
d. All of the above.


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4. How can you tell if your compost is ready for the garden?

a. By its color.
b. It is always ready within two to four months of starting.
c. The initial ingredients are no longer recognizable.
d. It continues to heat up after it is turned or wetted.


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5. Which of the following should not be added to compost?

a. Apple peels.
b. Lint from refrigerator and dryer vents.
c. Animal excrement.
d. Coffee grinds.


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6. What does it mean to plant a “native” garden?

a. Using plants that only come from a local green house.
b. Not using the synthetic pesticides.
c. Using plants that are part of your region's natural history.
d. All of the above.


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7. A tomato is a:

a. fruit.
b. vegetable.
c. flower.
d. bulb.


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8. Garlic is a:

a. fruit.
b. vegetable.
c. flower.
d. bulb.


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9. The cornerstone of organic farming is:

a. organic certification.
b. ideal weather patterns.
c. creating rich, healthy soil.
d. hand weeding.


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10. The terms heirloom plant, heirloom variety, or heirloom vegetable refers to:

a. a plant that originated during or after 1960.
b. a plant that is not populated through open-pollination.
c. a connection to our heritage through a plant.
d. an antique that is fit for the mantle place.


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