MASTER GARDENER EXAM ACTUAL PREP
QUESTIONS AND WELL REVISED ANSWERS -
LATEST AND COMPLETE UPDATE WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS – ASSURED PASS
1. Which of the following soil amendments is best for improving drainage in a
clay-heavy garden soil?
A. Compost
B. Sand
C. Peat moss
D. Vermiculite
Rationale: Compost improves soil structure by increasing aggregation in clay
soils, enhancing both drainage and nutrient-holding capacity. Sand alone may
create compaction issues if not properly mixed.
2. A gardener notices yellowing leaves with green veins on a tomato plant.
Which nutrient deficiency is most likely responsible?
A. Nitrogen
B. Iron
C. Magnesium
D. Potassium
Rationale: Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins) on young leaves is a
classic symptom of iron deficiency. Nitrogen deficiency affects older leaves first.
3. In integrated pest management (IPM), what is the primary reason for
monitoring pest populations rather than immediately applying pesticides?
, A. To reduce labor costs
B. To avoid plant stress
C. To apply control only when economic or aesthetic thresholds are
exceeded
D. To protect pollinators
Rationale: IPM emphasizes monitoring to determine whether pest populations
have reached levels that justify control, avoiding unnecessary chemical use.
4. Which of the following pruning techniques is appropriate for rejuvenating an
overgrown shrub?
A. Deadheading
B. Shearing
C. Hard pruning (cutting back old wood to encourage new growth)
D. Espalier
Rationale: Hard pruning stimulates new growth and can rejuvenate woody
shrubs. Shearing and deadheading maintain shape but do not promote
significant new growth.
5. When propagating plants by cuttings, what hormone is commonly used to
encourage root development?
A. Gibberellin
B. Auxin
C. Cytokinin
D. Ethylene
Rationale: Auxins stimulate root formation in cuttings, which is essential for
successful propagation.
, 6. A soil test shows a pH of 5.2 in a vegetable garden. Which amendment
should be applied to raise soil pH to optimal levels for most vegetables?
A. Sulfur
B. Lime
C. Peat moss
D. Compost
Rationale: Lime (calcium carbonate) raises soil pH, reducing acidity and
improving nutrient availability for vegetables.
7. Which type of irrigation is most water-efficient and minimizes leaf wetting
to prevent disease in a vegetable garden?
A. Sprinkler irrigation
B. Flood irrigation
C. Drip irrigation
D. Furrow irrigation
Rationale: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, reducing
evaporation, runoff, and leaf wetting that can promote foliar diseases.
8. What is the primary advantage of using cover crops in sustainable
gardening?
A. They increase pesticide use
B. They attract wildlife exclusively
C. They improve soil structure and nutrient cycling
D. They prevent all plant diseases
Rationale: Cover crops, such as legumes, fix nitrogen, enhance organic matter,
prevent erosion, and improve soil fertility.
, 9. A gardener notices white powder on the leaves of roses. Which management
strategy is most appropriate?
A. Apply systemic insecticide
B. Remove all foliage
C. Apply fungicide and improve air circulation
D. Increase nitrogen fertilization
Rationale: White powder is indicative of powdery mildew, a fungal disease.
Fungicide application and improved airflow reduce disease severity.
10.Which gardening practice best reduces the risk of invasive plant species
spreading?
A. Fertilizing heavily
B. Planting native species and monitoring spread
C. Using plastic mulch
D. Planting fast-growing ornamentals
Rationale: Planting native species and monitoring for unwanted spread prevents
ecological imbalance and supports local biodiversity.
11.What is the ideal soil texture for most vegetable crops?
A. Heavy clay
B. Loam
C. Sandy soil
D. Peaty soil
Rationale: Loam balances water retention, drainage, aeration, and nutrient
availability, making it ideal for vegetables.
QUESTIONS AND WELL REVISED ANSWERS -
LATEST AND COMPLETE UPDATE WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS – ASSURED PASS
1. Which of the following soil amendments is best for improving drainage in a
clay-heavy garden soil?
A. Compost
B. Sand
C. Peat moss
D. Vermiculite
Rationale: Compost improves soil structure by increasing aggregation in clay
soils, enhancing both drainage and nutrient-holding capacity. Sand alone may
create compaction issues if not properly mixed.
2. A gardener notices yellowing leaves with green veins on a tomato plant.
Which nutrient deficiency is most likely responsible?
A. Nitrogen
B. Iron
C. Magnesium
D. Potassium
Rationale: Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins) on young leaves is a
classic symptom of iron deficiency. Nitrogen deficiency affects older leaves first.
3. In integrated pest management (IPM), what is the primary reason for
monitoring pest populations rather than immediately applying pesticides?
, A. To reduce labor costs
B. To avoid plant stress
C. To apply control only when economic or aesthetic thresholds are
exceeded
D. To protect pollinators
Rationale: IPM emphasizes monitoring to determine whether pest populations
have reached levels that justify control, avoiding unnecessary chemical use.
4. Which of the following pruning techniques is appropriate for rejuvenating an
overgrown shrub?
A. Deadheading
B. Shearing
C. Hard pruning (cutting back old wood to encourage new growth)
D. Espalier
Rationale: Hard pruning stimulates new growth and can rejuvenate woody
shrubs. Shearing and deadheading maintain shape but do not promote
significant new growth.
5. When propagating plants by cuttings, what hormone is commonly used to
encourage root development?
A. Gibberellin
B. Auxin
C. Cytokinin
D. Ethylene
Rationale: Auxins stimulate root formation in cuttings, which is essential for
successful propagation.
, 6. A soil test shows a pH of 5.2 in a vegetable garden. Which amendment
should be applied to raise soil pH to optimal levels for most vegetables?
A. Sulfur
B. Lime
C. Peat moss
D. Compost
Rationale: Lime (calcium carbonate) raises soil pH, reducing acidity and
improving nutrient availability for vegetables.
7. Which type of irrigation is most water-efficient and minimizes leaf wetting
to prevent disease in a vegetable garden?
A. Sprinkler irrigation
B. Flood irrigation
C. Drip irrigation
D. Furrow irrigation
Rationale: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, reducing
evaporation, runoff, and leaf wetting that can promote foliar diseases.
8. What is the primary advantage of using cover crops in sustainable
gardening?
A. They increase pesticide use
B. They attract wildlife exclusively
C. They improve soil structure and nutrient cycling
D. They prevent all plant diseases
Rationale: Cover crops, such as legumes, fix nitrogen, enhance organic matter,
prevent erosion, and improve soil fertility.
, 9. A gardener notices white powder on the leaves of roses. Which management
strategy is most appropriate?
A. Apply systemic insecticide
B. Remove all foliage
C. Apply fungicide and improve air circulation
D. Increase nitrogen fertilization
Rationale: White powder is indicative of powdery mildew, a fungal disease.
Fungicide application and improved airflow reduce disease severity.
10.Which gardening practice best reduces the risk of invasive plant species
spreading?
A. Fertilizing heavily
B. Planting native species and monitoring spread
C. Using plastic mulch
D. Planting fast-growing ornamentals
Rationale: Planting native species and monitoring for unwanted spread prevents
ecological imbalance and supports local biodiversity.
11.What is the ideal soil texture for most vegetable crops?
A. Heavy clay
B. Loam
C. Sandy soil
D. Peaty soil
Rationale: Loam balances water retention, drainage, aeration, and nutrient
availability, making it ideal for vegetables.
