FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q:What are Pesticides?
A:Pesticides can be defined as any product synthetic (man-made) or natural that is used to control insects,disease,weeds,and animals.
Q:How does a person protect himself/herself from pesticides when administering them to the crops?
A:There are several types of coveralls available through mail order catalogues or at some department stores than can be worn when applying pesticides. Another option is to designate special clothing,such as long sleeve shirts and pants,for the purpose of applying pesticides only. These clothes should be washed separately from the other clothing.
Q:What is heat stress and how can it be prevented?
A:Heat stress in plants is the end result of a combination of two primary environmental factors;high temperature and to some degree,high sunlight intensity. A third factor is the lack of sufficient moisture in the soil. Heat stress can cause a plant to wilt and eventually die. For some plants,sunburned leaves and stems are an indicator that the plant is under heat and/or light stress. Some plants,such as tomatoes,will not produce fruit if the temperatures are consistently higher than 90° F. In order to prevent heat stress in plants,maintain an even soil moisture. Some plants may require or rather need partial shade to grow well. To prevent heat stress while gardening,follow these recommendations:
a.Have at least a gallon of cool water available if you are going to be working in the sun for more than a half hour.
b.Wear light colored clothing especially the shirt or blouse,long sleeves to protect the skin from direct sunlight,and a broad hat or a cap.
c.Take periodic breaks in the shade.
d.Work early in the morning until about 10:-10:30am and late afternoon after 3-3:30 pm.
Q:How does a person determine whether or not terracing is required before planting?
A:Terracing is generally recommended for areas that have steep slopes. If the area that you plan to create your garden is steep,a terrace or several terraces will have to be built in order to have a leveled area to grow your plants.
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Q:What is the soil to plant ratio for the different types of gardens?
A:In constructing a terraced garden,you can use the existing soil or bring in a better quality top soil. For raised beds or box gardens,existing soil can be used or better quality soil can be used. A mathematical formula is used to determine the cubic yards or cubic feet of soil needed to fill a box garden or raised bed. Some companies will indicate how many containers and the size of the containers that can be filled on the bag or in the catalogue. A single 13-15 inch tire may use 1.50-1.75 cubic yards of soil for growing plants. Two tires of the same size will use 3.5 – 4 cubic yards of soil.
Q:What is Commercial Potting Soil?
A:Commercial potting soil is a sterile medium. The soil has no fertility or nutrients,thus fertilizer or more commonly called plant food,will have to be added for optimum plant growth.
Q:What is the water to plant ratio for the different types of gardens?
A:Depending on the temperature,soil type and plant type,crops may need ½ –1 gallon of water per day. Maintain adequate soil moisture for successful plant functions.
Q:What effect does wind have on crops?
A:The wind can have both a positive and negative effect on plants. Light to moderate wind can help to spread pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part;that is corn. Wind can also aid in the prevention of the spread of fungal diseases by drying moist leaves. The best time to water plants,if you are using a hose or watering can,is in the morning. If you have a drip irrigation system where the water is applied at the soil level close to the root system,then water can be applied at anytime of the day. Watering should be regular,consistent and adequate to meet plant needs.
Q:How is home-made plant food created?
A:Plant foods or fertilizer generally consist of three major elements;nitrogen,phosphorous,and potassium. Some plant food may also contain micro nutrient that are needed in very small amounts such as sulphur,calcium and boron. A fertilizer containing both major and minor elements is considered a complete fertilizer. If you are using potting soil as a growing medium,then adding a complete fertilizer will be necessary. They come in three forms:water soluble (liquid),granular and timed release. Always follow the directions on the label. They are inexpensive and can be purchased at garden centers,mail order catalogues,supermarkets,and department stores.
Q:What are the most important factors of a home-made compost heap?
A:A compost heap or pile is one way of making fertilizer or “plant food”. A compost pile consists of two basic ingredients:green and brown material. Green material consist of items that have a high nitrogen content such as animal manures,green grass clippings,coffee grounds,fruit and vegetable scraps. Brown materials include dried grass clippings,hay,cardboard,untreated sawdust and even paper. When combined with water and oxygen and turned periodically,you will be provided with nutrient rich compost that will help your plant grow optimally.
Q:Can any other animal feces be used as manure? If yes,what are they and if no,give a reason.
A:Chicken,turkey,sheep,rabbits,pigeon,goat,horses,and even bats are sources of manure. Dogs,cats,and other domesticated animals are not included because their feces contain chemicals that if not composted properly will release harmful material into the compost.
Q:What are the most common pests (vermin &animals) known to the Caribbean?
A:Some of the more common pests are scales,aphids,white flies,mealy bugs,caterpillars,ants,iguanas,sooty mold,grasshoppers,mildew and leaf miners. In order to control them they would have to be identified by a pest specialist,who will then recommend a course of treatment.
