Download Florida IFAS Master Gardener practice exam Questions And Correct Answers Plus Rationales and more Exams Gardening and Horticulture in PDF only on Docsity!
Florida IFAS Master Gardener practice
exam Questions And Correct Answers Plus
Rationales 2025
- What is the ideal soil pH range for most Florida landscape plants? A. 4.0–5. B. 5.5–7. C. 7.5–8. D. 3.5–4. Most Florida landscape plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soils, which corresponds to a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
- Which type of mulch is most commonly recommended in Florida for landscape beds? A. Pine needles B. Straw C. Pine bark or eucalyptus mulch D. Peat moss Pine bark and eucalyptus mulch are widely used in Florida due to availability, pest resistance, and slow decomposition.
- What is the main function of nitrogen in plant growth? A. Promotes leaf and vegetative growth B. Enhances root development
C. Stimulates flowering D. Increases drought resistance Nitrogen is essential for leafy growth, chlorophyll production, and overall vegetative development.
- Which UF/IFAS principle encourages selecting plants that match site conditions? A. Hydrozone management B. Right Plant, Right Place C. Seasonal rotation D. Drought buffering "Right Plant, Right Place" helps minimize resource input and ensures plant success.
- What is the most efficient method of irrigation for vegetable gardens? A. Overhead sprinkler B. Drip irrigation C. Hand watering D. Flood irrigation Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing waste and disease risk.
- When should most turfgrass in Florida be fertilized? A. During dormancy B. In winter C. In spring and summer D. Year-round
10.What is the best time to prune most woody shrubs in Florida? A. Mid-winter B. Right after flowering C. Late fall D. Early spring Pruning after flowering ensures the plant has enough energy for bloom and avoids removing flower buds. 11.What is the recommended mowing height for St. Augustinegrass in Florida? A. 1 inch B. 4–5 inches C. 3.5–4 inches D. 2 inches Mowing St. Augustinegrass too short stresses the turf and encourages weeds. 12.Which fertilizer component promotes flower and fruit production? A. Nitrogen B. Phosphorus C. Calcium D. Iron Phosphorus supports energy transfer, flowering, and root growth. 13.Which insect is a beneficial predator in Florida gardens? A. Lady beetle B. Aphid C. Thrip
D. Whitefly Lady beetles consume aphids, mealybugs, and other soft-bodied pests. 14.What is the first step in diagnosing a plant problem? A. Applying pesticide B. Identifying the plant C. Watering it D. Removing it Correct identification ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 15.Which Florida soil type is most likely to be low in nutrients? A. Clay B. Sandy C. Loam D. Peat Sandy soils drain quickly and retain fewer nutrients than clay or organic soils. 16.What is a sign of nitrogen deficiency in plants? A. Purple leaves B. Burned leaf tips C. Yellowing of older leaves D. Curled new growth Nitrogen deficiency causes chlorosis, starting in older leaves first. 17.Which of the following is a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principle? A. Over-fertilize
21.What is compost? A. Raw manure B. Decomposed organic matter C. Sand and fertilizer D. Crushed rock Compost is rich in nutrients and improves soil structure and microbial activity. 22.Why is proper plant spacing important in a garden? A. Easier to mow B. Reduces disease and pest spread C. Increases fertilizer use D. Prevents drought Good spacing ensures airflow, reducing humidity and disease risk. 23.Which vegetable grows well in Florida’s hot summers? A. Okra B. Lettuce C. Broccoli D. Spinach Okra thrives in high temperatures and is a staple in Florida summer gardens. 24.What is a good organic mulch for vegetable gardens? A. Gravel B. Bark nuggets C. Straw
D. Landscape fabric Straw breaks down easily, retains moisture, and adds organic matter to soil. 25.Which pest is most likely to affect citrus trees in Florida? A. Cabbage worm B. Citrus leafminer C. Root aphid D. Fire ant Citrus leafminers damage new citrus leaves, causing curling and reduced photosynthesis. 26.What is girdling in trees? A. Excess fertilization B. Damage that disrupts nutrient flow around the trunk C. Mulch placement D. Pollination failure Girdling cuts off vascular tissues, starving roots and leaves. 27.Why should pruning tools be sterilized between cuts? A. To sharpen them B. To prevent disease spread C. To oil the blade D. To reduce sap flow Sterilization prevents transmission of bacteria, fungi, or viruses between plants.
D. It dries out soil Mulch against stems can harbor moisture, pests, and fungi. 32.Which soil amendment improves drainage and aeration in clay soils? A. Compost B. Peat moss C. Sand D. Limestone Compost improves structure, drainage, and biological activity. 33.What does “Florida-Friendly” mean? A. Only native plants B. Sustainable, low-maintenance landscaping practices C. No fertilizer use D. No irrigation Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ emphasizes environmental stewardship and efficiency. 34.What causes chlorosis in leaves? A. Overwatering B. Iron deficiency or poor nutrient uptake C. Cold damage D. Pruning Chlorosis is yellowing caused by lack of chlorophyll, often due to iron deficiency or pH issues. 35.What is the best method to control weeds in garden beds? A. Fertilizer
B. Mulch and hand pulling C. Water more D. Prune shrubs Mulch blocks light, and hand pulling removes weeds before seeding. 36.Which tree is recommended for hurricane-resistant Florida landscaping? A. Live oak (Quercus virginiana) B. Norfolk pine C. Sabal palm D. Slash pine Live oaks are deeply rooted and wind-resistant, ideal for storm-prone areas. 37.What is the purpose of deadheading flowers? A. Increase pests B. Attract pollinators C. Encourage more blooms D. Change color Removing spent blooms redirects energy into new flower production. 38.What disease affects roses in Florida’s humid climate? A. Rust B. Root rot C. Black spot D. Downy mildew Black spot is a fungal disease that thrives in Florida’s humidity and causes leaf drop.
D. Sun scorch Powdery mildew is a fungal disease affecting leaves in humid conditions. 43.Which Florida soil type has the poorest water retention? A. Loam B. Sand C. Clay D. Peat Sandy soils drain quickly, requiring more frequent watering. 44.What is the most important step in planting a tree? A. Add fertilizer B. Dig a wide, shallow hole C. Water every hour D. Prune all branches A wide, shallow hole encourages root spreading and stability. 45.Which fruit tree is best suited for South Florida? A. Apple B. Cherry C. Mango D. Pear Mango thrives in South Florida’s warm, frost-free climate. 46.What is the effect of over-fertilizing plants? A. Enhances growth B. Improves flavor C. Causes nutrient burn and weak growth
D. Promotes roots Too much fertilizer can burn roots and reduce plant resilience. 47.Which butterfly is dependent on milkweed? A. Zebra longwing B. Monarch C. Swallowtail D. Atala Monarchs lay eggs exclusively on milkweed, which their larvae feed on. 48.Which lawn pest causes brown patches and is most active at night? A. Grub B. Sod webworm C. Fire ant D. Mole cricket Sod webworms feed on grass blades at night and create brown patches. 49.What tool is used to take a soil sample? A. Trowel B. Garden hose C. Soil probe or shovel D. Shears A soil probe or shovel allows you to collect samples from several inches deep. 50.What is the primary purpose of the UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Program? A. Sell fertilizer
D. Greensand Blood meal is a rich source of nitrogen, promoting leafy green growth. 54.What is the best action when encountering an unfamiliar plant pest? A. Apply general pesticide B. Contact your county extension office C. Remove the plant D. Prune the area Extension offices help correctly identify pests and recommend proper management. 55.What is the function of phosphorus in plant growth? A. Enhances foliage B. Promotes root and flower development C. Increases pest resistance D. Boosts chlorophyll production Phosphorus is crucial for root growth, blooming, and fruiting. 56.Why are native plants preferred in Florida landscapes? A. Require fertilizing B. Require less water and maintenance C. Grow slowly D. Need pesticides Native plants are adapted to local conditions and support local wildlife. 57.Which tree has aggressive roots and should be planted far from structures? A. Ficus B. Red maple
C. Crepe myrtle D. Magnolia Ficus trees have invasive root systems that damage sidewalks and plumbing. 58.What tool is best for pruning small branches? A. Loppers B. Hand pruners C. Chainsaw D. Hedge shears Hand pruners are ideal for precise cuts on small stems or twigs. 59.What type of vegetable is cabbage? A. Root B. Leafy C. Fruit D. Legume Cabbage is classified as a leafy vegetable harvested for its foliage. 60.What is the best planting season for strawberries in Florida? A. June–July B. September–November C. January–February D. March–April Strawberries are planted in fall and harvested in winter to early spring in Florida.
D. Iron Potassium enhances fruit development, quality, and plant resilience. 65.What is the UF/IFAS recommendation for fertilizing palms? A. General-purpose fertilizer B. 8- 2 - 12+4Mg slow-release palm fertilizer C. High-nitrogen fertilizer D. Micronutrients only The 8- 2 - 12+4Mg formula addresses common deficiencies in palms like magnesium and potassium. 66.Which pest injects toxins into plants causing leaf curl? A. Whiteflies B. Thrips C. Aphids D. Caterpillars Aphids feed on sap and introduce toxins that deform new growth. 67.What is the ideal distance for planting shrubs from a home’s foundation? A. 1 foot B. Touching the wall C. At least 2–3 feet D. 6 inches Adequate spacing prevents moisture buildup and allows airflow. 68.What is the best method for watering container plants? A. Sprinkle daily B. Submerge once a week
C. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom D. Mist leaves Deep watering ensures moisture reaches the entire root ball. 69.Which is NOT a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principle? A. Fertilize appropriately B. Use mulch C. Manage stormwater runoff D. Use invasive ornamentals Invasive species disrupt native ecosystems and are discouraged. 70.What is a microclimate? A. A tropical plant B. Entire state climate C. A small area with different conditions than surrounding landscape D. Controlled greenhouse Microclimates can be warmer, cooler, wetter, or drier than adjacent areas. 71.What is the benefit of rain gardens? A. Increase pests B. Decrease flowers C. Absorb stormwater runoff D. Attract deer Rain gardens slow runoff, reduce erosion, and filter pollutants. 72.Which is a cool-season vegetable grown in Florida winters? A. Broccoli
