Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- horticultural /hor-tuh-KUHL-chr-uhl/
- perennial /puh-REN-ee-uhl/
- dormant /DAWR-muhnt/
- manure /muh-NOOR/
- replenish /ri-PLEN-ish/
[adjective] – relating to the science or practice of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants
The city opened a new center offering horticultural training for urban farming.
[adjective] – a plant that lives for more than two years and produces flowers or fruit every year
Lavender is a perennial herb that returns each spring with fragrant blooms.
[adjective] – not active or growing but able to become active later
The seeds stayed dormant through the winter until warmer temperatures arrived.
[noun] – animal waste used to fertilize soil and help plants grow
Farmers spread cow manure across the fields to improve crop yield.
[verb] – to restore or fill something up again
The rain helped replenish the dry soil after weeks of drought.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
An increasing number of home gardeners across horticultural zones 3 to 8 have begun cultivating asparagus, a perennial vegetable valued for its productivity and resilience. Although it requires approximately three years of growth before the first harvest, agricultural specialists report that asparagus can yield edible shoots annually for up to 20 years. Experts advise using asparagus crowns, which are dormant root systems available at garden centers, instead of seeds, since crowns shorten the time to the first harvest by one year. Horticultural guidelines advise selecting a location with full sunlight and fertile, well-draining soil, enriched with compost or decomposed manure before planting.
The recommended method involves planting crowns during early spring in trenches that are 12 to 18 inches in width, 6 to 12 inches in depth, and spaced at intervals of 3 feet. Each crown should be positioned 12 to 18 inches apart within the trench and lightly covered with soil. As the spears begin to emerge, soil must be added gradually until the trench is completely filled. Consistent irrigation is vital during periods of drought, though excessive watering should be avoided. Harvesting is advised only in the third year, once spears attain a height of 6 to 10 inches. A sharp knife should be used to sever stalks just beneath the soil surface. Following a six-week harvest window, remaining stalks must be left in place to replenish the plant’s energy reserves. Experts further recommend that the fernlike fronds be removed only after they have turned brown. Horticulturists caution that certain crops, such as onions and garlic, may hinder asparagus development and should therefore be planted at a distance.
The recommended method involves planting crowns during early spring in trenches that are 12 to 18 inches in width, 6 to 12 inches in depth, and spaced at intervals of 3 feet. Each crown should be positioned 12 to 18 inches apart within the trench and lightly covered with soil. As the spears begin to emerge, soil must be added gradually until the trench is completely filled. Consistent irrigation is vital during periods of drought, though excessive watering should be avoided. Harvesting is advised only in the third year, once spears attain a height of 6 to 10 inches. A sharp knife should be used to sever stalks just beneath the soil surface. Following a six-week harvest window, remaining stalks must be left in place to replenish the plant’s energy reserves. Experts further recommend that the fernlike fronds be removed only after they have turned brown. Horticulturists caution that certain crops, such as onions and garlic, may hinder asparagus development and should therefore be planted at a distance.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried growing a plant or vegetable at home? If so, what did you grow and how did it go? If not, would you like to try it? Why or why not?
- Have you ever eaten asparagus? If yes, what did you think of the taste or how it was cooked? If not, would you like to try it? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that planting asparagus is a good choice for people who want long-term results in gardening?
- Why do you think some gardeners choose vegetables like asparagus, even though they take a long time to grow?
- What challenges might someone face when growing a plant that takes several years before the first harvest?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- spring
- method
- drought
- gardener
- agricultural