MASTER GARDENER CERTIFICATION EXAM 2025–2026 FULL-LENGTH PRACTICE TEST (100 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER KEY) A+ VERIFIED LATEST VERSION

MASTER GARDENER CERTIFICATION EXAM
2025–2026: FULL-LENGTH PRACTICE TEST (100
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER KEY) A+ VERIFIED
LATEST VERSION
Instructions

• Choose the best answer (A–D)

• Passing benchmark: 70–80%



Section 1: Soil Science (Questions 1–15)

1. What is the ideal soil texture for most garden plants?
A. Clay
B. Sand
C. Loam
D. Silt

2. Soil pH affects:
A. Soil color
B. Nutrient availability
C. Soil texture
D. Water drainage only

3. Organic matter improves soil by:
A. Reducing microbes
B. Increasing compaction
C. Improving structure and fertility
D. Lowering temperature only

4. Which nutrient is responsible for leafy growth?
A. Phosphorus
B. Potassium
C. Nitrogen
D. Calcium

5. Compacted soil reduces:
A. Nutrients
B. Air space
C. Microorganisms
D. All of the above

, 6. What does CEC stand for?
A. Carbon Exchange Capacity
B. Cation Exchange Capacity
C. Crop Efficiency Coefficient
D. Calcium Energy Cycle

7. Sandy soils typically:
A. Retain water well
B. Drain quickly
C. Are nutrient-rich
D. Have high organic matter

8. Soil testing helps determine:
A. Plant species
B. Fertilizer needs
C. Weather conditions
D. Sunlight levels

9. Which soil horizon contains most organic matter?
A. O horizon
B. B horizon
C. C horizon
D. R horizon

10. Overwatering can cause:
A. Increased oxygen
B. Root rot
C. Stronger roots
D. Higher pH

11. Mulching helps:
A. Increase weeds
B. Retain moisture
C. Remove nutrients
D. Reduce microbes

12. Which pH is neutral?
A. 5
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8

13. Clay soil particles are:
A. Large
B. Medium
C. Small
D. Irregular