|
TERM
|
MEANING |
|
Acid soil
|
Soil is
considered to be acidic when the pH is measured to be lower than
7. The lower the number, the higher the level of acid in the
soil. |
|
Alkaline soil
|
When the pH
level is measured to be higher than 7, the soil is considered to
be alkaline. |
|
Annual
|
Plants that
grow for only one season |
|
Biennial
|
Plants that
grow for two years are considered to be biennial. The first year
is when the plant grows and the second year is when the plant
flowers or produces fruit. |
|
Broadcast seeding
|
The act of
scattering seeds, by the handful, across a large area. This
process is typically used for seeding of lawns and wildflower
gardens. |
|
Bulb
|
The dormant
immature part of a plant which is planted to grow new plants
e.g. garlic (also sometimes called sets) |
|
Cold frame
|
A small
enclosure which is covered with glass or clear plastic, used to
create a greenhouse effect for young plants. |
|
Companion planting
|
The act of
planting two different plants within close proximity of each
other with the belief that traits from each plant will benefit
the other. |
|
Container gardening
|
Using
containers to grow plants |
|
Corm
|
A mass of
stored food consisting of roots at the base and flower buds at
the top |
|
Crowns
|
The bare
rooted dormant plants e.g. Asparagus plant ready for planting |
|
Cutting
|
A small
piece from a plant intended for the development of another plant
- see propagation. |
|
Dead-head
|
The act of
removing spent flowers either with a sharp instrument or by
pinching-off |
|
Forcing
|
The act of
forcing a plant, or a branch, to bloom by means of an
artificially created environment. |
|
Germination
|
The time
when a seeds has sprouted above the soil. |
|
Hardening-off
|
Gradually
introducing plants or seedlings to the out-of-doors. This is
done over several days, increasing the time outside each day. |
|
Hard-wood cutting
|
A portion of
a mature branch that is in the process of developing roots to
produce a new plant. |
|
Heirloom plant
|
A plant,
vegetable, or seed that has been in cultivation for several
years. |
|
Leach
|
Dissolving,
or moving, nutrients and minerals from the soil by running water
through the soil. |
|
Leggy
|
Term used to
describe a plant-or a portion of a plant-that has grown long,
thin stalks. This is usually due to lack of adequate sunlight. |
|
Perennial
|
Plants that
grow back every year when given proper care. |
|
pH
|
The
measurement of the soil's alkalinity versus acidity, on a scale
of 1-14 with 7 being neutral, 1-6 on the acid side and 8-14 on
the alkaline side. |
|
Pinching back / off
|
The removal
of the newest growth of a plant by pinching with your fingers or
snipping-off with snipers. This encourages fuller plants. |
|
Propagation
|
Producing
multiple plants from a single plant. |
|
Rhizome
|
Similar to
tubers, but longer in shape. Examples: Iris, Cala Lily. |
|
Root bound
|
The
compaction and entanglement of a plants roots within it's
confined growing environment. |
|
Sets
|
Usually
relating to immature bulbs of vegetables such as onions |
|
Slow-release fertilizer
|
A type of
fertilizer that "breaks-down" over time, moisture content,
and/or temperature variances. |
|
Soft-wood cutting
|
A portion of
an immature branch that is in the process of developing roots to
produce a new plant. |
|
Sour soil
|
Soil with a
high level of acid and a low level of alkaline. The pH of 6
indicates slightly acidic soil and the pH of 4 indicates soil
that is very acidic. |
|
Succession planting
|
The planting
of several flowers or seeds at one time and again at one or two
week intervals. |
|
Sweet soil
|
Soil with a
high level of alkaline and a low level of acid. The pH of 4
indicates slightly alkaline soil and the pH of 6 indicates soil
that is very alkaline. |
|
Transplant
|
Moving a
plant from one area to another. |
|
Transplant shock
|
The stage a
plant may go through when transplanted. The plant may look "ill"
while it adjusts to it's new location. |
|
Tuber
|
A round,
food-storing, underground mass of stem tissue. Flowers are
developed within the tuber. Examples: Anemone, Cyclamen, Dahlia. |
