Level 1

Question 1 You want to grow basil in your garden this summer. You have one spot that's sunny and windy with dry soil, and another that's partly shaded, sheltered from the wind, and has rich, moist soil. Where should you plant your basil for the best results? Hint

Plant it in the partly shaded, sheltered spot with rich, moist soil. Plant it in the sunny, windy spot with dry soil. Plant it anywhere, basil grows well in all conditions. Plant it in full sun, even if the soil is poor and dry.

Question 2 You want to start a new vegetable patch from seeds in your garden. After sowing, you notice the soil is a bit lumpy and the seedlings are growing very close together. What should you do to help your seedlings grow strong and healthy? Hint

Break up the soil to make it finer and thin out the crowded seedlings. Add fertilizer without changing the soil or spacing. Cover the seedlings with more soil to help them grow. Leave the seedlings as they are and just water more often.

Question 3 You just bought some lily of the valley clumps and want them to settle well in your garden. It's the end of September and the weather is mild. What should you do to give your plants the best start? Hint

Plant them during the hottest days of summer. Plant the clumps now, in early autumn. Wait until the middle of winter to plant them. Only plant them after the first frosts arrive.

Question 4 You want to get a head start on your spring vegetable garden, but the soil still feels cold. What can you do now to help warm up the soil before sowing your seeds in a few weeks? Hint

Add a thick layer of mulch right away. Water the soil every day to try to warm it up. Leave the soil uncovered until sowing day. Cover the soil with black plastic sheeting for several weeks.

Question 5 You’ve noticed a lot of aphids on your plants and want to bring more ladybirds into your garden to help out. What is a good way to make your garden more attractive for ladybirds? Hint

Create areas with dense plants, wildflowers, shrubs, and add an insect hotel. Only plant vegetables and avoid any flowers. Spray your plants with water every morning. Remove all weeds and keep the garden very tidy.

Question 6 You want to plant a dogwood shrub in your garden. You have a sunny spot with well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and another area that's shady with heavy, clay soil. What should you do to give your dogwood the best start? Hint

Bury the collar in the sunny spot to protect the roots. Plant it in the sunny, well-drained spot and keep the collar above the soil. Choose the shadiest area and plant the collar just below the soil. Plant it deep in the shady, clay soil area for more moisture.

Question 7 You’re getting ready to plant your first veggies in a new garden bed and want to help your plants grow strong. What should you do to improve the soil before planting? Hint

Mix compost into the soil before planting. Plant without changing anything in the soil. Only water the soil and plant directly. Cover the soil with stones to keep it warm.

Question 8 You just harvested a big batch of carrots and want to keep them fresh all winter without them drying out. What is the best way to store them? Hint

Hang the carrots in bunches in a dry, warm place. Store the carrots in plastic bags in a sunny spot. Leave the carrots in a pile on the ground in the garage. Arrange the carrots in layers of moist sand so they don't touch each other.

Question 9 You just bought a lavender plant and want it to bloom beautifully in your garden. You have two possible spots: one is sunny with soil that drains quickly after rain, and the other is partly shaded with soil that stays wet. Where should you plant your lavender for the best results? Hint

Plant it in the shady spot with moist soil. Plant it in the sunny spot with well-drained soil. Put it in a pot and keep the soil always wet. Plant it anywhere, lavender grows well in any soil.

Question 10 You want to make your garden a safe place for hedgehogs. Which action should you take to help protect them? Hint

Let protective netting hang loosely around the garden. Put out sticky traps to catch insects for hedgehogs. Leave holes open so hedgehogs can hide in them. Store gardening tools safely and cover the swimming pool at night.