Garden Glossary
A
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that are pear shaped, and come in different colors. Found often on new plant growth like tomatoes and peppers early in the season. Using chemical soaps to kill them may harm beneficial bugs like ladybugs. Instead, applying worm castings at the plant base with good watering introduces chitinase enzymes. Aphids can't digest chitinase, and when they drink the worm casting liquid, it kills them.
Aeration
Loosening compacted soil to improve air circulation, water penetration, and root growth
B
Biennial
Plants that take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle, typically flowering and producing seeds in the second year. Examples include carrots and parsley
Bolting
The premature flowering and seed production of plants due to stress or high temperatures, often leading to bitter-tasting leaves
C
Companion planting
Planting different plants together to benefit each other
Compost
Decayed organic matter used as fertilizer
Crop Rotation
Changing the location of plant families in garden beds each growing season to reduce soil depletion, pest buildup, and disease recurrence while improving overall soil health and productivity
D
Direct Sowing
Planting seeds directly in the garden soil rather than starting them indoors in pots or trays
Disease Resistance
Plant varieties bred or naturally resistant to common diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments and ensuring healthier plants
Drip irrigation
Watering system that delivers water directly to plant roots
E
Elevation
The height or altitude of a garden area, which can affect temperature, drainage, and plant selection
Enrichment
Adding nutrients, organic matter, or beneficial microbes to soil to improve its fertility and health
Erosion
Soil wearing away due to wind or water
F
Fertilizer
Nutrient-rich materials (organic or synthetic) added to soil or plants to promote growth, flowering, and fruiting
Frost Date
The average date of the last expected frost in spring or the first expected frost in fall, important for planting and protecting tender plants
Full Sun
Full sun (6+ hours): Plenty of direct sunlight, ideal for sun-loving plants. Learn more
G
Germination
The process where a seed begins to sprout and grow into a new plant
Greenhouse
A structure with transparent walls and roof, typically made of glass or plastic, used for growing plants that require controlled environmental conditions
H
Hardening Off
Gradually acclimating indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions (sunlight, wind, temperature) before transplanting them into the garden
Harvesting
Gathering mature vegetables or herbs from the garden at their peak ripeness for consumption, cooking, or preserving
Herbicides
Chemicals used to kill unwanted plants (weeds)
Heirloom
Traditional plant varieties that have been passed down through generations, known for their unique traits and flavors
Hybrid
Plant varieties created by cross-pollinating two different parent plants, often bred for specific traits such as disease resistance or high yield
I
Indoor Plant
A plant cultivated and grown indoors for ornamental purposes
Inorganic Gardening
A gardening approach that involves using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides rather than organic methods
Inorganic Soil Amendments
Soil additives such as perlite, vermiculite, or sand that do not contain organic matter
Insecticide
A substance used to kill insects that are harmful to plants
Insecticidal Soap
A pesticide made from potassium salts of fatty acids that is used to control soft-bodied insects such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites
Irrigation
The process of artificially applying water to soil to assist in the growth of plants
Collapsible content
J-L
Leaf Mold
Decomposed leaves that enrich soil when used as a natural fertilizer
Leaf Mulch
Shredded leaves used to cover soil and improve its quality
Leggy
Plants with long, thin stems and not many leaves, usually because they don't get enough sunlight or are too close together. They need pruning or repotting to grow compact and healthy.
M
Mulch
Material (such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves) spread over the soil surface to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature
N
Nutrient Deficiency
Lack of essential nutrients in plants, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor overall health
O
Organic Gardening
Gardening without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, using natural methods like composting, mulching, and beneficial insects for pest control
P
Partial Sun
Partial sun (4-6 hours): Some direct sunlight, suitable for plants that thrive in both shade and sun. Learn more
Perennial
Plants that live for more than two years, regrowing each spring from their roots or crown. Examples include mint, thyme, and asparagus
Pesticides
Chemicals used to control pests
pH
A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity, influencing nutrient availability to plants; most plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6-7)
Planting depth
How deep a seed or plant should be buried in the soil
Pollinators
Animals like bees and butterflies that help in pollination
Pruning
Trimming back plant parts (such as branches, stems, or leaves) to promote plant health, shape, or fruit production.
Q
Quality Soil
Rich and well-balanced soil containing adequate nutrients, organic matter, and good drainage for plant growth
Quenching
Watering plants thoroughly to ensure they receive enough moisture, especially during hot and dry periods
Quick-Release Fertilizer
Fertilizer that releases nutrients rapidly to plants, providing immediate nourishment
R
Row Cover
Lightweight fabric or plastic covering used to protect plants from pests, frost, or excessive sun while allowing air, light, and water to pass through
S
Seed
Small, dormant plant enclosed in a protective outer covering
Seedling
A young plant that has recently germinated from a seed
Sow
To plant seeds in soil or growing medium
Sprouting
When seeds or plants start to grow
T
Thinning
Removing excess seedlings to ensure proper spacing and resources for the remaining plants, preventing overcrowding and competition
Transplanting
Moving a plant from one location to another, such as from a seed tray to a garden bed, to promote healthier growth or spacing
Trellis
A structure (such as stakes, wires, or frames) used to support climbing plants like beans, peas, or cucumbers
U
Underwatering
Not giving plants enough water, which can cause them to wilt or dry out
Unripe
Refers to fruits or vegetables that are not fully mature or ready for harvesting
Urban Farming
Growing crops or raising livestock in urban areas, often using small plots of land, rooftops, or community gardens
V-Z
Weeding
Removing unwanted plants (weeds) from garden beds to reduce competition for water, nutrients, and space
Yield
The quantity of crops harvested from a specific area or plant, influenced by factors like planting density, soil quality, and care practices