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Purdue University (Indiana) Extension Master
Gardener Program Questions And Correct Answers
Plus Rationales 2025
- What is the ideal soil pH range for most vegetable crops? A. 4.5–5. B. 6.0–7. C. 7.5–8. D. 5.0–5. Most vegetables prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, which aids nutrient availability.
- Which of the following plant parts is responsible for water transport? A. Phloem B. Xylem C. Cambium D. Cortex Xylem transports water and dissolved minerals from roots to shoots.
- A biennial plant completes its life cycle in: A. One growing season B. Two growing seasons C. Three months
D. A single year Biennials grow vegetatively the first year and flower/seed the second.
- Which nutrient is most associated with promoting root development? A. Nitrogen B. Potassium C. Phosphorus D. Calcium Phosphorus supports strong root growth and flowering.
- What is the most accurate method to determine nutrient deficiencies in soil? A. Visual symptoms on plants B. Color of soil C. Smell of soil D. Soil testing Soil tests provide exact nutrient levels and pH values.
- Which type of pruning encourages bushier growth in shrubs? A. Heading back B. Thinning C. Deadheading D. Coppicing Heading back removes terminal growth, stimulating side shoots.
- What insect is most associated with transmitting bacterial wilt in cucurbits? A. Aphid B. Cucumber beetle
C. Gas exchange D. Produce chlorophyll Stomata allow CO₂ in and O₂ out, essential for photosynthesis. 12.Which gardening technique prevents soil compaction? A. Raised beds B. Frequent tilling C. Overwatering D. Heavy machinery use Raised beds reduce foot traffic on planting areas, limiting compaction. 13.What does the "Extension" in Purdue Extension Master Gardener refer to? A. Extended learning B. Land-grant university outreach C. Extended gardens D. Federal regulation Extension programs stem from land-grant universities to share research- based knowledge. 14.What disease causes black spot on rose leaves? A. Fungal B. Bacterial C. Viral D. Nematode Black spot is caused by a fungus and spreads in moist conditions. 15.What type of weed completes its life cycle in one season? A. Annual
B. Biennial C. Perennial D. Woody Annual weeds germinate, flower, and seed within a single season. 16.Indiana's USDA Hardiness Zones range from: A. 4a–5a B. 3b–6b C. 5b–6b D. 6a–7b Most of Indiana falls within zones 5b to 6b. 17.Which of the following is a cool-season vegetable? A. Pepper B. Cucumber C. Eggplant D. Broccoli Broccoli thrives in cool temperatures and bolts in heat. 18.What is an effective organic control for soft-bodied insect pests? A. 10% bleach solution B. Insecticidal soap C. WD- 40 D. Motor oil Insecticidal soap breaks down insect membranes without harming plants. 19.Why is crop rotation important in vegetable gardening? A. To attract pollinators
23.What is a common symptom of nitrogen deficiency? A. Purple leaves B. Yellowing of older leaves C. Leaf curl D. White powder on leaves Older leaves yellow first due to mobile nature of nitrogen. 24.Which of the following is NOT a macro-nutrient? A. Potassium B. Iron C. Nitrogen D. Phosphorus Iron is a micronutrient, required in smaller quantities. 25.What type of composting method involves alternating layers of green and brown materials? A. Cold composting B. Hot composting C. Vermicomposting D. Bokashi Hot composting speeds up decomposition by maintaining balance of nitrogen (green) and carbon (brown). 26.How often should soil be tested in home gardens? A. Every 10 years B. Never C. Every 2–3 years
D. Monthly Regular testing helps adjust fertilization and pH needs. 27.Which garden tool is best for loosening compacted soil? A. Hoe B. Garden fork C. Rake D. Trowel Garden forks penetrate and lift compact soil without slicing roots. 28.What part of the plant is the cotyledon? A. Flower bud B. Seed leaf C. True leaf D. Stem Cotyledons provide nutrients during early growth before true leaves appear. 29.Which is the best strategy to manage powdery mildew? A. Water leaves directly B. Grow in shade C. Improve air circulation D. Use Epsom salt Good airflow reduces moisture buildup that encourages fungal growth. 30.What does deadheading flowers accomplish? A. Attract pollinators B. Encourages more blooms
B. Tulip poplar C. Sycamore D. Black oak The tulip poplar (state tree) has large, tulip-like blooms in spring. 35.What is the benefit of using cover crops? A. Attract snakes B. Increase evaporation C. Improve soil health D. Spread invasive weeds Cover crops prevent erosion, fix nitrogen, and enhance soil structure. 36.What soil texture drains water most quickly? A. Clay B. Silt C. Sand D. Loam Sandy soils have large particles and drain quickly. 37.Which plant structure anchors it and absorbs nutrients? A. Leaf B. Flower C. Root D. Stem Roots serve as anchorage and primary nutrient/water uptake system. 38.What garden practice improves both drainage and root health? A. Adding organic matter
B. Frequent watering C. Compaction D. Plastic mulching Organic matter loosens soil and enhances microbial activity. 39.Which pest is likely to cause leaf skeletonization? A. Aphids B. Japanese beetles C. Thrips D. Root maggots Japanese beetles chew leaf tissue between veins. 40.What is the function of chlorophyll in plants? A. Structural support B. Nutrient absorption C. Light absorption for photosynthesis D. Flower production Chlorophyll captures sunlight to power photosynthesis. 41.Which of these can improve soil structure and fertility over time? A. Compost B. Sand C. Herbicides D. Salt Compost adds organic matter and beneficial microbes. 42.What gardening technique involves training plants along supports? A. Deadheading
B. Asexual C. Grafting D. Budding Seed formation results from fertilization. 47.Which is a sign of spider mite infestation? A. Sticky honeydew B. Fine webbing on undersides of leaves C. Gall formation D. Tunneling in stems Spider mites spin fine webs and cause speckled leaf damage. 48.What does a complete fertilizer contain? A. Only nitrogen B. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium C. Water and nitrogen D. Micronutrients only A complete fertilizer includes the three major nutrients: N, P, K. 49.What practice is essential for keeping gardening tools in good shape? A. Use them daily B. Clean and dry after each use C. Leave them outside D. Paint them Cleaning removes sap and rust, extending tool life. 50.Which Indiana invasive plant spreads rapidly and chokes out natives? A. Purple coneflower
B. Garlic mustard C. Black-eyed Susan D. Little bluestem Garlic mustard outcompetes native wildflowers and spreads aggressively. 51.What is a common symptom of iron deficiency in plants? A. Browning of leaf tips B. Interveinal chlorosis on young leaves C. Purple lower stems D. Wilting in full sun Iron deficiency shows as yellowing between veins, especially on young leaves where iron is immobile. 52.What soil amendment is commonly used to raise pH in acidic soils? A. Sulfur B. Lime C. Peat moss D. Gypsum Lime (calcium carbonate) raises soil pH by neutralizing acidity. 53.What is the function of a cold frame in gardening? A. Repels insects B. Extends the growing season C. Increases water retention D. Protects against deer
57.What’s the most common cause of damping-off in seedlings? A. Poor light B. Fungal pathogens in overly wet conditions C. Inadequate fertilizer D. Cold soil temperatures Fungi thrive in moist, crowded seed trays, causing seedling rot. 58.What is the benefit of planting native species in home landscapes? A. Require more pesticides B. Limited to ornamental value C. Adapted to local climate and support native wildlife D. Less colorful than non-natives Native plants are adapted to Indiana conditions and support pollinators and birds. 59.What happens to clay soil when it dries out? A. Becomes fluffy B. Forms a sponge C. Hardens and cracks D. Stays constantly wet Clay soil dries to a hard, cracked surface due to its fine particle size. 60.Which plant propagation method involves rooting a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant? A. Grafting B. Layering C. Cuttings
D. Dividing Layering encourages roots to form before the new plant is removed from the parent. 61.What is the ideal time to harvest most herbs for the best flavor? A. After flowering B. Before flowering C. After sunset D. In the fall Essential oils are highest just before flowering, giving herbs peak flavor. 62.What insect pest rolls leaves and feeds inside the fold? A. Aphid B. Leafroller C. Whitefly D. Cabbage looper Leafrollers spin silk to curl leaves, then feed from within for protection. 63.Which Indiana native flower blooms early and is a key pollinator source? A. Aster B. Spring beauty C. Goldenrod D. Daylily Spring beauty blooms in early spring, feeding emerging pollinators. 64.What can be used to increase potassium in soil? A. Urea B. Potash
B. Use a blacklight C. Remove hiding spots and apply bait D. Apply bone meal Slugs hide in moist areas—eliminating these and applying baits is effective. 69.What is girdling in trees? A. Adding mulch B. Removing a ring of bark around the trunk C. Overwatering D. Pruning too low Girdling interrupts the flow of nutrients and can kill the tree. 70.What structure in plant roots absorbs water and nutrients? A. Phloem B. Root hairs C. Cambium D. Xylem Root hairs increase surface area and absorb moisture from soil. 71.What is the best time to plant cool-season crops in Indiana? A. Early spring and late summer B. Mid-summer C. Late fall D. Winter Cool-season crops like lettuce thrive in spring and fall temperatures.
72.What is the benefit of incorporating mulch into a garden bed? A. Attracts weeds B. Conserves moisture and regulates temperature C. Promotes fungus D. Increases soil erosion Mulch retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and insulates soil. 73.Which pest tunnels through squash vines, causing wilting? A. Aphid B. Squash vine borer C. Cutworm D. Spider mite Vine borers tunnel into stems, cutting off water supply to leaves. 74.Why should grass clippings not be piled thickly around vegetables? A. They may mat and restrict airflow B. They fertilize the soil too quickly C. They encourage butterflies D. They improve drainage Thick clippings may mat and hold excessive moisture, leading to rot. 75.What causes chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves? A. Too much nitrogen B. Lack of chlorophyll due to nutrient deficiencies C. Deep root development D. Flowering
