Chap 1 – How plants Grow

Primary function of roots 1. absorption of water and nutrients 2. anchorage of the plant 3. food storage

Tissues that move water and mineral solutions up the stem from the roots to the leaves are called xylem tissues.
They surround the denser hardwood or heart-wood region of stem.

The manufactured food from the leaves moves in any direction in the plant through the tissues called phloem.
The phloem tissues are located just inside the protective epidermal (bark) layer. The bark layer is visible on the
outside of the stem. The layer of tissues between the xylem and the phloem is called the cambium layer

Transpiration is the loss of water vapor from plant leaves, stems and flowers. Transpiration accounts for
a large part of the water used by plants. This process has a cooling effect on the plant and the immediate
surroundings.

Gymnosperms are woody plants that bear “naked seeds.” They are called “naked” because their seeds develop on
the upper surfaces of cone scales and are exposed, not enclosed, in a fruit. Cedar, pine, redwood, hemlock, and firs
are all Gymnosperms. They are typically large in size, with leaves that are usually evergreen needles or scales.
Angiosperms have flowers and produce seeds that are enclosed in a protective covering, called a fruit.

Terminal buds are found at the apex or end of each shoot.

Lateral buds are found along the twig. Terminal buds are usually larger than lateral buds.

Plants that produce separate male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers on the same plant are called
monoecious. Examples of monoecious plants include corn, spruce, pine, and fir trees.

Annuals are plants that grow, produce flowers, set seeds and die in one growing season. Biennials complete their life
cycle in two growing seasons. Perennials are plants that live year after year.

Plants grow by using photosynthesis to manufacture food.

Roots anchor plants to the ground, absorb water and nutrients from the soil and store carbohydrates. There are four
kinds of plant root systems: fibrous roots, fleshy roots, tap roots, and contractile roots.

The function of the stem is to support the leaves, conduct water and nutrients to them and transport organic
compounds produced by the leaves back down to the roots.

Leaves are responsible for photosynthesis, the production of sugars and other organic compounds, and the
transpiration of water. Transpiration cools the plant and its surroundings.

During daylight hours, photosynthesis produces oxygen (O2) which is released into the air we breathe. At night, this
process is reversed. The leaves of plants absorb O2 and release CO2.

Chap 2- Plant Propagation

Asexual propagation uses a plants ability to create new plant parts from pieces of the parent plant. Note asexual is
not from seed.

Most herbaceous (non-woody) plants, such as annuals and perennials, can be easily propagated from tip cuttings,
using the top 2-5” of a stem
The top of the plant to be grafted is called the scion. The bottom part of the plant to be grafted is called the
rootstock and it becomes the root system for the newly grafted plant.

Propagating plants is the creation of new plants, either from seed (sexual propagation) or from a part of a plant
(asexual propagation).

By controlling cross-pollination, plant breeders produce genetically identical seeds. The resulting seedlings are
called F1 Hybrids and will produce a uniform crop of genetically identical plants One of the easiest methods of
vegetative propagation is done by division.

Chap 3- Plant nomenclature

Botanical names are made up of two words. The first is the name of the genus to which the plant belongs.
This name, much like your last name, identifies a group of closely related plants. The second word is the species

Method of naming plants is called the binomial (meaning two-name) system of Nomenclature
is especially important for you to know not only the correct scientific name, but also the accepted common name of
the plant you are selling so you can communicate effectively with your customer, clients or suppliers

Chap4- Trees/Shrubs
The most common reason for planting trees is for shade that they provide. Trees clean the air we breathe by
absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, through the process of photosynthesis.

* (Trees) A general recommendation is to apply compost at a rate of 6 cubic yards per 1,000sq. ft., which when
spread would create a layer 2”deep.

The amount of mulch around plants should not exceed a depth of 2 inches.

Never mound the mulch up against the trunk of a tree or shrub. The mulch should look like a donut around
the base of a tree or shrub, not like a mulch volcano!

Pruning is the selective removal of branches while maintaining the natural form. Pruning is not the same as
shearing. Shearing is clipping most of the new shoots in order to create an artificial form.

Proper mulching is very important. Mulch spread to a maximum depth of 2” protects newly planted trees and shrubs,
retains moisture, suppresses weeds and prevents extremes in soil temperature. Mulch should never be piled against
the basal stems or trunk. Do not create “Mulch Volcanoes.”

1” of trunk caliper, 12 inches of root ball should be dug. A 2” caliper tree should have a 24” root ball, a 3”
caliper tree should have a 32” root ball etc.

Trunk caliper is measured 6” from the ground on trees up to and including 4” in caliper, and 12” above the
ground for larger trees.

Chap 5-Turf
MDA offers fertilizer applicator certification exams and publishes a list of certified professional fertilizer
applicators on its website. Individuals and companies hired to apply fertilizers must be licensed by the MDA or
work under the direct supervision of an individual who is licensed.

The best time to seed a lawn in Maryland is from August 15 to September 30

*(Lawns) A thin layer of compost can be applied at a rate of 1 cubic yard per 1,000sq. ft.
Sprigging is the planting of individual plants, using stolons, planted at spaced intervals in prepared soil.

Plugging is done with a simple tool (plugger) that makes a hole in a piece of Zoysiagrass sod. A plug 2 inches in
diameter and 1 to 2 inches deep is the most common size. The plug should fit tightly into the prepared holes spaced
6 to 12 inches apart. After inserting the plug into the hole, it should be firmly pressed into place.

Chap 6 – Indoor Plants

Water plants only when they need water, not according to a set schedule

The best time to re-pot is when the plant is actively growing, typically April through October

It generally takes three to six months for plants to acclimate changing light conditions.

Most of potting mixes (mediums) contain peat moss, milled pine bark, perlite or vermiculite and are amended with
limestone and fertilizers or compost. Very few bagged potting mediums contain soil and are therefore called soilless
mediums.

Chap 7-Herbaceous Plants

Biennials are defined as plants that complete their life cycle in 2 years or less

An herbaceous perennial is a non-woody plant that lives more than two years. It is a plant whose top growth
usually dies to the ground each winter and regrows the following spring.

Pansies, violas and ornamental cabbage and kale can be planted from late September to the end of October to
provide color all fall and winter and into the spring.

Annuals are “heavy feeders,” meaning they require regular fertilization to grow and flower their best.

Deadheading is the removal of “spent” flowers that have begun to fade, turn brown or droop

Deadheading improves a plant’s appearance, controls reseeding, and redirects a plants’ energy from seed production
to more flower production and vegetative growth.

Some annual varieties, such as wave petunias, are referred to as being “self-cleaning”. They have been selected
by plant breeders because they have flowers that fall off on their own, eliminating the need for deadheading.

Dividing perennials is necessary to keep certain perennials thriving. If a plant is blooming less and less
each season, lacks vigor, or appears to be dying out in the center of the clump, it is time to dig and divide it.
Dividing is an excellent way to increase the numbers of a desirable plant or to make more plants for new garden
beds.

The general rule of thumb for planting bulbs is to plant them 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is wide.

Chap 8 – Container Gardening

There are many commercial potting media available, but it is important to recognize those which are designed
for long term use (one year or more) and those that are designed for short term use (greenhouse crop production
- 1 to 4 months).

The most common insects to look out for are aphids, spider mites, and slugs.
Powdery mildew causes a white, powdery covering on the surface of the leaf. A good disease preventive measure is
to avoid watering plants late in the day.

Frequent grooming to remove brown leaves and spent flowers is also important to keep the plants looking their best.
This practice will also help to reduce potential disease problems in the container.
Chap 9 – Vegetable Gardening
Nitrogen promotes leafy vegetative growth. Phosphorus is needed for flowering and fruit formation, while
potassium is essential for healthy root growth

All vegetable crops grow best when planted in a soil having a pH between 6.0 to 7.0.

Plant alfalfa, buckwheat, or a SudanX sorghum grass in late spring and summer. Turn the crop under in early fall to
add organic matter. Then sow a cover crop of winter rye, winter wheat, oats, forage radish, barley, crimson clover,
or hairy vetch in late August or early September.

Never apply un-composted manure next to vegetable plants.

Being able to identify damaging pests and diseases is the first step of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
approach.

Chap 10-Soil and Soilless Mediums

Clay soils have the smallest particle size, followed by silt.

Texture . . .• determined by the proportion of sand, silt and clay-sized particles in soil• organic matter plays no role
in the determination of texture• texture is an unchangeable property of a soil,i.e., it is not altered by soil management
practices

An ideal soil is about 50% mineral materials (sand, silt, clay) and a small percentage (2%-5%) of organic matter.
The other 50% of the soil is made up of pore space.

Humus is the stable end product of organic residue decomposition and composes the majority of organic matter. It
resists further decomposition; therefore, it is not a readily available nutrient or energy source. Its presence does,
however, increase the water and nutrient holding capacity of soils.

The term “potting soil” is very misleading because fewer and fewer commercial growers use any soil at all in their
growing mediums.

Chap 11-Fertilizers
The letters N-P-K refer to the primary nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A fertilizer that contains
some of each of these is called a complete fertilizer

How much and how often you fertilize shade trees depends on the size and rate of growth of the tree. It also depends
on whether or not the tree is surrounded by a regularly fertilized lawn or garden or standing in a vacant lot or
growing in a lawn that is seldom fertilized. Recently transplanted trees or trees still in their rapidly
growing stage should be fertilized twice a year. Well established mature trees should be fertilized only every 3-5
years if the lawn or garden surrounding the tree is not being regularly fertilized.

Plants utilize three non-mineral elements, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, which are supplied by the air and water.

An adequate supply of Nitrogen (N): 1. Produces vegetative growth 2. Gives dark green color to plants 3. Increases yields of
foliage, fruit, and seed 4. Increases protein quality of food crops

An adequate supply of Phosphorus (P): 1. Stimulates early root formation 2. Gives rapid and vigorous start to plants 3. Speeds
up maturity 4. Stimulates blooming and helps in fruit and seed formation 5. Increases winter hardiness
An adequate supply of Potassium (K): 1. Imparts increased vigor and disease resistance 2. Produces strong, stiff stalks, thus
reducing lodging 3. Improves quality of fruit and seed 4. Is essential to the formation and transfer of starches and sugars
5. Imparts winter hardiness in plants

Calcium is the principle element in the development of cell walls. Adequate calcium in the plants improves
plant vigor and is necessary for the growth of new plant parts.

Magnesium is important in the production of chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color.

Sulfur is present in certain plant proteins. It affects cell division and the formation of cells.

Chap 12- Nutrient Management

The goal of nutrient management is to provide adequate nutrients to meet the needs of the crop, without providing
excessive nutrients which can leach or run off the growing area.

The goal of nutrient management is to provide adequate nutrition to plants without affecting non-target areas such as
the atmosphere, soil, and water.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are methods which assist in the effective management of the operation and
can reduce the amount of nutrients leaving the growing area, thereby protecting the environment.

In Maryland the nutrient of greatest concern is phosphorus (P).

Nutrient Management Plan elements for a Field or In Ground nursery operation are similar to those required for
traditional row crop agriculture. The required elements include:
• a map or drawing of the operation showing growing areas and any surface water (aerial photos are quite useful for
this requirement) • accurate and recent soil test information • proposed yield potential for each crop (if is a farm
operation) • plant nutrient needs for each crop based on University of Maryland crop recommendations •
recommended application rates for organic nutrients (such as manure) or commercial fertilizers • recommended best
management practices to minimize nutrient loss to the environment

Chap 13- Science of Composting

Compost is a nutrient rich source of organic matter that can be used in place of commercial fertilizers to supply the
nutrient needs of plants.

What materials can go into a compost pile? No cat manure , No dog manure

Composting is an aerobic process meaning that it requires a constant supply of adequate amounts of oxygen (O2).
Thus. composting systems must be designed to supply an adequate amount of O2 throughout the compost pile if
microorganisms are to function properly.

Another method of maintaining an adequate amount of O2 in the compost is by keeping the size of the pile small.

The compost is ready to use when you can no longer recognize any of the components and temperatures in the pile,
after turning, are similar to those of the surrounding air. Good compost has a rich, dark brown color, and an earthy
odor.

Anything that is organic and has not been polymerized such as plastic or rubber can be composted
Chap 14.- Watering
Plants are made up of 70 - 85% water.

Transpiration is the evaporation of water from the leaves.

If the condition of wilting continues for an extended period, the leaves will begin to dry out or desiccate.

Water penetrates sandy soils faster than clay soils. However, larger spaces cannot retain as much water as smaller
spaces. This is why sandy soils do not retain as much water as clay soils.

Water Holding Capacity (WHC). The WHC is the amount of water, by volume, that a medium holds after water
has been applied and allowed to drain out of a container

Air Filled Porosity (AFP) is the amount of air, by volume, that a media holds after water has been applied and
allowed to drain out of a container.

Plants are made up of between 70 and 80% water. It is important that plants receive enough water to keep them
actively growing and healthy.

It is important to add enough water to thoroughly soak the soil or potting media down to the root system. Simply
moistening the surface of the soil is not the down to the root system. Simply moistening the surface of the soil is not
the correct way to water. A deep thorough watering is better than a light watering.

Chap. 15 Irrigation Systems

Pressure is the most critical factor in proper irrigation system operation.
Pressure is the force which moves or pushes the water through the pipes and out the sprinkler nozzle

Of course, more water will fall closer to the sprinkler head than far away and this is the reason that all sprinkler
heads must be overlapped to get uniform distribution

Elevation changes cause pressure differences in pipelines. Pressure decreases going up slope in a pipeline.
Pressure will increase going down slope in a pipeline. The change is 1 psi for each 2.31 feet of elevation change.

Going uphill, the water pressure will decrease and going downhill the water pressure will increase.
Note that the comparative flows in pipes Note that the flows “double the diameter, quadruple the flow rate” rule.
Irrigation container crops should be to deliver water uniformly.
Chap. 16-IPM
Key pests are those that are found at damaging levels year after year. Usually a relatively small number of insects,
diseases, weeds, and nematodes species fall into this category. A sound knowledge of the identification, biology,
and control of these pests greatly simplifies the manager’s job.

Do not spray any type of pesticides on plants when flowering. Doing so will harm plant pollinators, such as
honeybees.

In general, flowers or flower buds are more susceptible to pest attack than are leaves and stems.

The IPM manager (also called an IPM monitor, scout, or consultant) accepts the idea that pests may exist on plants.
The goal is not eradication, which is usually impossible in most settings, but management.
STAGES:

Monitoring is the most important component of an IPM program. Scouts should monitor key plants, key locations
and look for key pests. The IPM objective is to manage pests, not eradicate them.

The final component of IPM is an evaluation plan. This plan allows the manager to determine the outcome of
control actions, the cost effectiveness of monitoring and control tactics, and the overall value of the management
program.

Skeletonization of leaves can be cause by - elm leaf beetle and Japanese beetle

Pathogens: Pathogens are microorganisms capable of infecting susceptible individuals and producing a
characteristic disease. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and nematodes are pathogens.

Chap. 17- Greenhouse Operations

The use of Horizontal Airflow Fans (HAF) is essential to keep air continuously circulating during the heating
season. These small, low horsepower fans get the air mass in a greenhouse moving at a low speed and keep it
moving. HAF help to keep the inside temperature uniform,

Hand watering with a hose and water breaker is the simplest, lowest cost, watering system. It is useful when many
different crops, in different container sizes, are grown in a greenhouse. The person watering can adjust how much
water to apply, based on the specific crop. However, it is labor intensive, time consuming and uses the most water.

Depending upon the crops you grow, the greenhouse structure itself might be the least expensive part of your
operation.

Chap 18. Weeds and Weed Control

It is important that you learn to identify weeds so that you can select the best method to control them.
Prevent introduction of new species – (use weed free soil, manure, mulch or compost) • Stop weeds early in their
growth cycle • Keep the soil covered with mulch • Learn how to control persistent weeds

Pulling by hand, cultivating, or hoeing are the most common methods of mechanical weed control. In all
instances, it is best to control weeds when they are small.

Black plastic can be used as mulch in vegetable gardens and for growing strawberries, but do not use it in landscape
situations.
Selective herbicides kill or damage certain plants species without seriously harming others.

Drift occurs when herbicides are carried by the wind onto non-target plants. Drift can cause irreparable damage, or
even death, to ornamental plants.

Controlling weeds may be accomplished through either chemical or non-chemical means, or a combination of both.
Preventing weeds from setting and dispersing their seeds will go a long way in helping to control them
Chap.19-Insects and Mites
We strongly suggest that managers use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to deal with insect and
mite pests.

When spider mites feed on plant foliage, the mite wounds the plant cell and removes the cell contents, causing a
fine stippling damage. Stippling looks like thousands of tiny dots on the foliage and often appears silvery at first.
The damage then turns white and, finally as the cell oxidizes, turns bronze to brown in color. Spider mites also have
a silk gland. Silk is emitted from the mouthpart and is placed on parts of the plant.

Spider mites insert needle-like mouthparts into plant cells of foliage. The resulting damage causes a distinct
stippling. Heavy infestations will stunt plant growth and render a plant unmarketable. One of the most common
spider mites is the two-spotted spider mite. Spider mites prefer dry conditions and bright, possibly hot locations in
the landscape or greenhouse

In general, the most specific, least toxic while still effective, control measures should be employed to combat
insect and mite pest problems.

Several species of sucking insects are vectors of bacterial and viral diseases.

Chap. 20 Plant Diseases

Most fungicides are protective or prophylactic in nature. This means that they have to be applied before
a pathogen infects a plant.

The use of disease resistant plants in the landscape is the best way of preventing problems and is a very effective
IPM technique for reducing plant damage. Often it is easier to replace disease prone plants than treating for
diseases that repeatedly occur

Chap 21-Cold Hardiness

Cold acclimation, also called hardening off, is a two-stage process. The first stage is brought on by shorter days in
late summer and fall. These shorter days cause two distinct changes in plants: the slowing down and stopping of
growth, called growth cessation and the beginning of metabolic changes within the plant.

The increased cold acclimation during the first stage is relatively small;

In fact, of all the environmental factors, wind has the greatest effect on water loss from plants.

When ice forms in the tissue of tender or non- hardy plants, such as a petunia, the plant will die. However, trees and
shrubs that are hardy in their zone are able to tolerate extracellular ice formation in their tissues, if cold
acclimation has occurred

Another means by which plants or plant parts survive freezing temperatures is a process called super cooling.
In this process, plants survive by avoiding freezing. Super cooling is a process whereby plant fluids do not freeze,

Maintain a 1 to 2-inch-thick layer of mulch around in-ground plants. The proper use of mulch will help maintain
uniform soil moisture near the plant roots and reduce repeated freezing and thawing of the soil
Chap 22- Merchandising
When customers enter your store, an eye-catching display up front should grab their attention and communicate
your
garden center’s image or brand.

80 % of our impressions are made by sight. Outside signage should be clear, bright and unique
Chap 23, Salesmanship –
Make your initial greeting as soon as the customer enters the retail area.

If you are busy, and the customer has to wait, be sure to acknowledge him/ her immediately and then finish with
your current customer.

Chap 24 Landscape Design

The warmest exposure is that which faces southwest, and the coolest exposure is that which faces north.

To maximize solar energy for heating homes during the winter months, landscapes should be designed to allow the
house to receive full sun all day. Thus, it is important not to shade the southeastern, southern and southwestern sides
of homes in order to maximize the effects of the sun’s rays in winter.

Client Interview The first step that must occur before formulating a design is to meet with the site owners. At this
time, you need to find out exactly what the owners are looking for, what their expectations are, and their budget.

The master plan is very similar to the preliminary design, except that the master plan is drawn with more detail and
precision than the preliminary design. The master plan should show all the elements and areas of the design proposal
in an exact, legible and graphic manner.

Chap 25 Landscape Contracting

Always call Miss Utility at 811, a week before doing any work on a property that involves digging of any kind.
Common types of mulch include shredded and/ or composted leaves, shredded pine or hardwood bark, pine needles,
pine fines, LeafGro ™ or composted manure.

Chap 26 Conservation Landscaping

Conservation landscaping is a set of landscaping practices with specific goals of creating wildlife habitat,
reducing pollution and improving the local environment.
Conservation landscaping provides habitat for local and migratory animals, conserves native plants, and improves
water quality
Landowners benefit from conservation landscaping because it reduces the time and expense of mowing, watering,
fertilizing and treating lawn and garden areas

Examples of conservation landscaping practices

include creating landscapes that:
• require minimal watering • control storm water • minimize fertilizer applications • employs integrated pest
management (IPM) • reduce lawn area, particularly where conditions don’t support turf very well
• compost waste materials on-site and maintain healthy soil with compost • use native plants, avoiding plants
determined to be invasive • use plants not only for beauty, but for function (wildlife value, erosion control, shade,
windbreak, etc.).
Consider environmental effects caused by project construction (large projects), and plan to minimize negative
effects to the natural surroundings as much as possible by…

Remove or control undesirable vegetation safely – choose methods that are the least damaging or toxic. •
Provide for multiple landscape benefits – buffers (areas planted to protect waterways), travel corridors for
wildlife, etc. – as well as aesthetic appeal. • Conserve soil, existing natural areas, special features, etc. Minimize
grading and keep soil onsite. Choose plants that are suited to the conditions. • Reduce impervious surfaces such as
pavement or compacted soil. Strategies for preventing or reducing soil compaction are explained in the soils section
of this chapter. • Develop a maintenance plan based on the level of maintenance that the property owner/ manager
is able or willing to provide and design the project to fit those maintenance needs and capabilities.
Nonnative plants are those that occur in locations beyond their known historical natural ranges, most often brought
to new regions by humans through horticulture. Invasive plants are those nonnatives that display rapid growth and
spread, allowing them to establish over large areas.

For the greatest ecological value, select “true” native species, not cultivars, especially if
planting to benefit wildlife. There are cultivated varieties (cultivars) available for many
native plants*. These varieties have been grown to provide plants with certain physical
characteristics, perhaps a different flower color, different foliage or a compact shape or
size. Although these are popular for gardening, try to use true species (not cultivars) if
you are planning a habitat project to provide food and cover for wildlife. These plants are
most suited to use by the native wildlife and will increase your chances of attracting
them. Native plants should never be removed from the wild unless an area is about to be
developed and the property owner gives permission. Even then, it is difficult to transplant
wild- collected plants and to duplicate their soil and other growth requirements. Plants
that are grown from seed or cuttings by nurseries have a much greater tolerance for
garden conditions.
A conservation landscape preserves the natural water cycle and helps keep waterways clean in your local
watershed.