Paulding County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers

3rd Annual Best Home

Vegetable Garden Contest -2016

Entry Form and Official Rules

ENTRY IS FREE

Deadline for entries

June 13, 2016

Judging is the Week of June 27th

Sponsored By:

Paulding County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers

EVALUATION CRITERIA

1. Soil Test 2. Site Selection 3. Layout and Design 4. Erosion Control 5. Weed Control 6. Plant Health 7. Yield 8. Insect and Disease

Control 9. Variety of Plants

Judging will be held the

week of June 27th

Good Luck and have Fun Gardening!

Name ______________________________ Address ___________________________ City ___________ Zip Code _________ E-Mail _____________________________ Phone No._________________________ Circle your category:

Youth Garden ages 6-18 (60ft2 minimum)

Small Adult Garden (200-1000 ft2)

Medium Adult Garden (1001-3200 ft2)

Large Adult Garden-(3201 ft2 plus)

Deliver or Mail completed entry form to

Paulding County Ext. Office 530 West Memorial Drive

Dallas, GA 30132

Entry Form

The 1st Place Prize

$100 Cash Award to each category And a plaque recognizing

Outstanding Achievement in Gardening

The Paulding County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers

work in association with Paulding County UGA Extension to promote

research-based gardening standards and practices. This

contest will recognize and reward good gardening practices,

experimentation and creativity. As well as supporting the contestants

with the resources to further advance their gardening skills.

The contest is open to all Paulding

County Residents. *

* Master Gardeners, Paulding County UGA Extension staff members and their families are not eligible to participate in

the contest.

Frequently asked Questions

1. Do I really need a Soil Test? The UGA Extension Vegetable Specialists recommend that implementing the results of a soil test will advance your gardening skills and increase your yield.

2. Do I need to be home when the judges visit? No. We will call and or email you the day before to alert you to our visit. Please place your Journal or Contestant Documentation Sheet in a noticeable location.

3. Should I leave the crop on the

plant to be viewed by the judges? Harvest your crop as they ripen but please record the vegetables harvested prior to the judges visit in either your Journal or on your Contestant Documentation Sheet.

4. Is a hand drawn layout/sketch of my garden okay? Yes.

5. If I have questions who can I call? Please call the Paulding County Extension Office 770-443-7616.

Paulding County Master Gardener Extension

Volunteers

Vegetable Garden Contest Guidelines for Contestants We have taken the categories your gardens will be judged on and given a more thorough explanation. Our goal in providing this contest is to share scientific research from UGA, to maximize your gardening pleasure and to acquaint you with our support opportunities. You will receive documentation sheets with your packet, a vegetable gardening publication from UGA, a Seasonal gardening calendar from UGA and an evaluation sheet for you to evaluate our program. Please answer this evaluation with a goal of helping us make any improvements to our methods, information and process and let us know if this program was beneficial to you. Have fun with your garden, grow something new each year and keep notes about how it did, just for your information. The following are the areas the judges will be looking at to judge your garden, we have included expansion of information to help you understand what we are looking at and why. We want you to succeed! 1. Soil test- UGA vegetable specialists highly recommend a soil test about 3-6 months prior to starting a garden. You have a flyer in your packet for this info. If your soil pH (alkaline and acid balance) is not correct for the vegetables you grow you can experience weak plants, poor color and deformed vegetables that are more apt to be infested with insects and disease. A soil test should be done about every 2-3 years. Plan to do it in January so your amendments can be applied and have time to work in your soil prior to starting your garden. Lime takes about 3 months to begin working. The test will also address the fertility of your soil and if you don’t need fertilizer, this could save you some money. Please document what you have done to amend your soil, including incorporating compost, manure, soil conditioners, other organic matter, lime and fertilizer.

2. Site selection- Place your garden site in a convenient place to your home if possible so that your find it easy to care for and pick and generally keep an eye out for “critters” or insects and disease. You will want to water as needed and want easy access to water. Select your site where your garden gets 6-8 hours of sunlight a day and be certain it is not over your septic tank or septic drain lines because of potential for contamination of the soil. A flat terrain is much easier to manage but be sure you have good drainage. 3. Layout and design- Plant your plants and rows at recommended spacing according to directions on your seed packets. Proper spacing promotes good air flow around your plants which helps prevent disease and some insects and cuts down on the need for heavier fertilization. Place your plants so that taller vegetables do not shadow shorter plants. We look at how you use trellises and other garden structures. You can use raised beds, container gardens, wooden pallets, hay bale gardens, square foot gardening, companion plantings, etc. If you are doing an experiment, let the judges know by either signage or in your documentation. 4. Erosion control- Low or no sloping of soils in garden, terracing may be used, mulching- you can use various types of mulch, explain why you used the material of your choice. 5. Weed Control- What was your choice and why? Pine straw, wheat straw, newspapers, cardboard, or magazines, hoeing, tilling, chemical control. Please document. 6. Plant Health and general appearance- check for color, diseases, insects, pruning and general appearance of plants. Does the garden have “eye appeal” or “street appeal”? 7. Yield- was production quantity and quality good. Document your goals for this. Do you want a daily supply of food or a bulk amount for canning or freezing? Do you want enough to share your food for charity, family or friends? Keep notes on how much you harvest in your

documentation. Did it meet your expectations? Are you doing succession planting for continuous harvest? 8. Insects and disease- observed for insect damage and general observation for signs of disease. If these are observed you need to have documentation as to how you are treating it: Companion planting, manual picking of insects, sprays or other commercial chemical applications. If you are using commercial products, apply when bees or other pollinators are not in your garden and document safety precautions you are taking. Always read the label and closely follow all safety precautions when using chemical products. 9. Plant variety- Do you have a good mixed variety of vegetables or did you plant based on preferences that are limited. Explain in your documentation area. Are you experimenting this year with a particular crop? Notice to Participants: Planning, preparation and execution of your plan are important to the judges. They will judge your garden on the areas above on a scale of 0-3 with 3 being excellent. They realize we all have different expectations for our gardens and gardening should be fun. Our gardens are as individual as we are. If you have questions or need info or support throughout your gardening process please call Paulding County UGA Extension at 770-443-7616 and ask for a Master Gardener Contest Volunteer to call you back. Happy Gardening! For more information and details contact Paulding

County UGA Extension Master Gardener Extension Volunteers

530 West Memorial Drive Dallas, GA 30132

Email: uge2223@uga.edu Website: www.ugaextension.org/paulding Subscribe to our Bulldog Bytes Home and Garden email newsletter at our website

Phone 770-443-7616

Paulding County Master Gardener Extension

Volunteers

Documentation Record for Garden Contest 2016 Name:_________________________________________________________ Phone Number:______________________________________________ E-Mail:________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________ This documentation record is provided for you to use in the event that you are not home to answer questions when judging takes place. This provides the judges all the information they need to give your garden every benefit to score well. 1. Have you obtained a soil test in the last 2 years and if so, please tell us what recommendations were given and the actions you took to improve your soil. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Are you going to keep a Journal of your garden plan and execution? Yes or No 3. Have you identified where your septic system and drain lines are and is your garden well away from these? Yes or NO 4. How would you describe your garden design? (Raised bed, square foot, pallets, containers, herb, etc.) 5. Are you doing any experimentation in your garden this year that you have not done before? Please explain. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Do you have any erosion issues and how are you managing them if you do? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What methods are you using to control weeds? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. If you are using chemical controls, have you read the label completely and applied as instructed? Weed Control: (chemical weed control in gardens is not recommended)_________________________________________________________________ Insects:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Diseases:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Note when you harvest, the quantities and frequency. (Estimates are ok). Are you satisfied with your yield?___________________. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. 10. List the names of your plants in your garden._______________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________

10. Draw a plan of your garden and name the plants in each area. This does not have to be precise. JUST FOR FUN: List beneficial insects you see in your garden. Birds that frequent your garden. Stormy days and if they affected your garden. Rainy days. Unusually shaped fruits or vegetables. Take pictures of your garden’s progress.

Keep a Journal or notebook. Thomas Jefferson was a great garden journalist. He recorded dates, times, weather conditions, planting and germination dates, productivity, general taste and description of the

plants. Make yours a memory. Enjoy the Journey!

SOIL TESTINGFor Home Lawns,

Gardens and Wildlife Food Plots

Developing and maintaining productive soils begin with soil testing. Soils tests provide information on the soil’s actual nutrient status. Test results are used to determine the amount and kind of nutrients that should be added for the best growth of lawn, garden, and other types of plants.

Circular 896 Reviewed October 2015

The University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. UGA Extension offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability.

The University of Georgia is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Leticia S. Sonon and David E. KisselAgricultural and Environmental

Services Laboratories, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

(706) 542-5350 • aesl.ces.uga.edu

For more information, contact your local

Cooperative Extension Office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1

This brochure was modified and adapted in part from the materials prepared by Dr. Owen Plank titled “Soil Testing for Home Lawns and Gardens.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and how often should soils be tested?A: Soils can be tested any time during the year. However, allow enough time for the analysis and for fertilizer and lime application. Lime reacts slowly and, if possible, it should be mixed with the soil two to three months before planting. Generally, fall is the most desirable time to sample because landscapes and gardens are usually dry and easily accessible.

Once medium or high fertility levels are established, lawn and ornamental areas need to be sampled every two to three years.

Vegetable gardens should be sampled every 1 to 2 years.

Q: How soon will I get my results back (turn-around-time)?A: The analysis takes two to three working days from the time the lab receives the samples. In general, it takes 7 to 10 days from the time we receive the samples to the time you get your test reports back.

Q: Who do I contact regarding my soil test results and recommendations if I don’t understand the numbers?A: The Soil Test Report provides an interpretation of all soil tests done by the Soil Testing Lab and is accompanied by appropriate nutrient and lime recommendations. If you need further information about your test results, contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office.

• Use a zigzag approach when taking samples. Collect 8-10 soil samples from each location (zone) as shown in Figure 1.

• For trees and shrubs, take soil samples from six to eight spots around the drip-line of the plants.

2. Sampling DepthThe depth of sampling depends on the type of plants being grown.

• For lawns, sample to a depth of 4 inches.

• For gardens, ornamentals, mixed fruit trees and wildlife plots, sample to a depth of 6 inches.

3. Sampling TimeSoil sampling should be done well in advance of planting or spring green-up. This allows adequate time for sample analysis, data interpretation, and fertilizer and lime application.

4. Sampling ToolsUse clean sampling tools and containers to avoid contaminating the soil sample. Never use tools or containers that have been used for fertilizer or lime. Collect samples with tools like trowels, shovels, spades, hand probes or hand augers.

5. Sampling ProceduresClear the ground surface of grass thatch or mulch (Figure 2). Using a trowel, push the tool to the desired depth into the soil. Push the handle forward, with the spade still in the soil to make a wide opening. Then, as shown in Figure 3, cut a thin slice from the side of the opening that is of uniform thickness, approximately 1/4-inch thick and 2 inches in width, extending from the top of the ground to the depth of the cut. Collect from several locations. Combine and mix them in a plastic bucket to avoid metal contamination. Take about a pint of the mixed soil and place it the UGA soil sample bag. Be sure to identify the sample clearly on the bag and the submission form before mailing.

Sample HandlingSamples should be air dried overnight. Dry samples on a flat surface lined with clean white paper. Take care to avoid contamina-tion. After drying, transfer the sample to the soil sample bag and bring it to your local extension office. Your extension office will send samples to:

The Soil, Plant and Water Lab University of Georgia 2400 College Station Road Athens, GA 30602-9105

Figure 2. Remove grass thatch or mulch before sampling.

Figure 3. Soil sampling with a trowel.

Steps in Soil SamplingRecommendations about when and how to apply nutrients are only as good as the soil sample submitted for analysis.

To obtain a representative soil sample, the following steps are useful: identify sampling locations (zones), determine the sampling depths, use the right sampling tools, sample at the right time, and handle the samples accordingly.

1. Sampling LocationsMap out the area where the plants are to be grown or are presently growing. This will help in record keeping and ensure that the soil is taken from throughout the entire area.

Divide the area such that each soil sample represents one plant type or condition. An area that has been divided according to obvious differences in plant types, plant performance, soil types, and drainage is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Area divided according to vegetation and soil characteristics. Yellow

dots indicate sampling points.

There is nothing quite like a home garden to supply you and your family with a variety of nutritious vegetables

that can be enjoyed fresh or preserved for later use. When space is limited, a plentiful supply of crops such as toma-toes, peppers, eggplant and okra can be grown with a few properly cared-for plants.

SiteTry to select a site that receives at least 8 to 10 hours of sunlight a day. Select a location that is conveniently located near the house and a water supply. The soil should have a good texture and be well-drained. Avoid sites that have a history of hard-to-control weeds such as nutsedge and bermudagrass.

Make a PlanPlan your garden out on paper first before ordering seed. For small areas, select those crops that you like best and consider using dwarf compact varieties that will produce an adequate supply on a few plants. Also, plan to use the space continuously by planting another in-season crop soon after the last harvest is completed. Plant tall-growing plants together on the north or west side of the garden so they will not shade lower-growing plants. Make a map and keep it current so that the vegetables can be rotated within the garden from year to year. Remember to plan for space between rows to walk down to harvest the crop and maintain the bed.

Vegetable Gardening in GeorgiaRobert Westerfield, Extension Horticulturist, and David Linvill, Chatham County Extension Agent

Varieties, Seed and PlantsBe sure to select recommended varieties for your main planting. Many other varieties are available, and new varieties are being introduced each year. Try a few new varieties on a small scale to determine their worth in your area. Varieties listed in the Vegetable Planting Chart represent a few of the proven varieties.

Always buy good quality seed from a reputable company. Do not save your own seed unless it is a unique, unavailable variety.

When buying plants, purchase fresh, stocky plants that are free of diseases and insects.

Lime and FertilizerRun a soil test through your local county Extension office several months prior to planting to determine lime and fertilizer needs. If the pH is low (acidic soil), apply the recommended amount of lime before preparing the soil so it can be mixed with the soil during land preparation. A pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is recommended for all vegetables except Irish potatoes, which require a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. Vegetables are classified as light, medium or heavy feeders, based on their fertilizer recommendations for each group.

Continued on page 4

HEAVY10-10-10 or 6-12-12 at a rate of

35 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft.

MEDIUM10-10-10 or 6-12-12 at a rate of

20 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft.

LIGHT6-12-12 at a rate of

10 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft.

cabbage artichoke cucumbers pumpkin peas, Southern

celery asparagus eggplant radish

lettuce beans greens rhubarb

onions beets herbs squash

potatoes, Irish cantaloupes okra Swiss chard

potatoes, sweet carrots peas, English watermelon

tomatoes corn, sweet pepper

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UGA Cooperative Extension Circular 963 • Vegetable Gardening in Georgia 3

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Soil PreparationBegin soil preparation in the fall by chopping litter and spading or turning deeply to bury the litter. Add other organic matter such as compost, leaf mold or well-rotted sawdust or manure.

Planting the GardenInformation on cultivars, planting dates and spacing is given in the planting chart. Several vegetables can be successively planted to lengthen the harvesting season.

CultivationCultivate or hoe the garden as often as needed to control weeds and grasses. Do not cultivate or hoe too deeply, or root injury will result. Cultivating too often will also result in the soil drying out excessively.

MulchA mulch of straw, leaves, compost or pine straw will help conserve moisture, control weeds and reduce cultivation. Apply enough mulch to have 2 to 4 inches after settling. Newspaper can also be applied as a mulch two to three layers thick around plants. Apply 3 inches of straw or compost on top of the paper.

WateringWater the garden as often as needed to maintain a uniform moisture supply. In the absence of rain, a good soaking once a week will probably be adequate for heavier soils. Light, sandy soils might require an application more frequently. Water early in the morning so foliage will dry off quickly, which helps prevent diseases. Use soaker hoses or irrigation tape if possible to prevent foliage from getting wet and help prevent disease.

Control Insects, Diseases and NematodesSerious losses can occur from insects, diseases and nematodes. If nematodes are present, control measures must be taken before the crop is planted. Preventive control measures can be used for insects and diseases, or can be started as soon as problems are spotted. Contact your local county Extension agent for assistance in pest identification and recommended control measures.

HarvestingHarvest vegetables as soon as they are ripe. Leaving them on the vine too long will lead to disease and insect problems and will cause crops such as beans, okra, squash and cucumbers to be over-mature and terminate or stop producing. Any surplus production should be canned or frozen as soon as possible after harvesting. Information on canning and freezing is available at your local county Extension office. For more information visit: http://extension.uga.edu.

Continued from page 1

Apply fertilizer according to the soil test results. Most vegetables need initial fertilizer at planting time, and again after they have begun to mature. Some vegetables, such as corn, need to be fertilized by side dressing after the plants are about knee high. Put the side dressing several inches away from the plant, never directly on the plant.

If additional nitrogen is needed on peppers, eggplant or tomatoes, apply when the first fruits are about 1 inch in diameter.

Circular 963 Reviewed April 2015

The University of Georgia, Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. UGA Extension offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability.

The University of Georgia is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.

extension.uga.edu/publications

APPROXIMATE POUNDS OF FERTILIZER PER 100 FT*Pounds per Acre

24-inch Rows

30-inch Rows

36-inch Rows

per 100 sq. ft.

100 0.5 2/3 0.75 0.25200 1 1.25 1.5 0.5300 1.5 1 2/3 2.5 0.75400 2 2.5 3 1500 1.5 3 3.75 1.25

1,000 5 6 7.5 1.52,000 10 12 15 5

*One pint of mixed fertilizer will weigh about 1 pound. For row widths not given, figure in proportion to the given rates.

Paulding County Master Gardener Extension

Volunteers

Third Annual Vegetable Garden Contest Evaluation Form

1. Did contest materials explain the process well? Yes or No If no, please suggest improvements_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Were the educational publications beneficial? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What was most beneficial in this process? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Did you feel you got all your questions answered in a timely manner and you were supported through your gardening experience?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Will you look forward to participating in the contest again? Yes/No If No, why?_____________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ 6.Other Suggestions________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________