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Organic Gardening GlossaryThis organic gardening glossary will give you a slight idea of my meaning of some organic gardening terms but not all terms associated with organic fertilizers or gardening. The terms were not collected from the dictionary but by a layman's interpretation of the words with the help of organic gurus from around the USA.
actinomycetes-- a fungus-like soil microoganism needed in the decay of organic matter like regular mushrooms.
aeration-- a manual process of punching holes in the soil to allow air and gases in to be exchanged. alfalfa meal-- a natural growth stimulator made from alfalfa. It is fast acting. NPK 2.5-0.2-2 alkaline soil-- soil with a pH above 7, also called sweet soil. allelopathy-- the ability of a plant species to produce substances that are toxic to certain other plants. The inhibition of growth in one species of plants by chemicals produced by another species.
amino acids-- the main components of protein. They are made up primarily from nitrogen and carbohydrates. annual-- a plant that will live for 1 season due to either weather or natural cycle. anthers-- the pollen-producing organs of flowers. The part of the stamen that contains pollen; usually borne on a stalk arboriculture-- is the selection, planting and care of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other woody perennial plants, and the study of how they grow and respond to cultural practices and the environment.
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b.t.-- abbreviation for bacillus thuringiensis. bacillus thuringiensis-- a biological control that specifically target caterpillars and other problem insects.
bacteria-- used in composting to generate the heat associated in hot composting. There are three types: psychrophilic, mesophyllic, and thermophilic. A single-celled, microscopic, plantlike organism that lacks a nucleus. Most bacteria obtain their nitrogen and energy from organic matter; some bacteria cause plant or animal diseases. bat guano-- excretions from bats that is used as a fertilizer. Bat manure.
beneficials-- organisms that provide a benefit to crop production, applied especially to natural enemies of pests and to pollinators such as bees. biennial-- a plant that takes two years to complete its life cycle and produce seed. biodegradation-- the breaking down of a chemical by organisms in the environment. Is the process of converting organic materials back into CO2 and H2O though miocrobial action. biological control-- the action of parasites, predators, or pathogens in maintaining another organism's population density at a lower average level than would occur in their absence. Biological control may occur naturally in the field or result from manipulation or introduction of biological control agents by people. Control of pests by disrupting their ecological status, as through the use of organisms that are natural predators, parasites, or pathogens. Also called biocontrol. biological pest control-- the organic gardener therefore works to create a system where the insects that are sometimes called pests and the pathogens that cause diseases are not eradicated, but instead are kept at manageable levels by a complex system of checks and balances within a living and vibrant eco-system.
biotic disease-- disease caused by a pathogen, such as a bacterium, fungus, mycoplasma, or virus. black spot-- a disease caused by a fungus which mainly affects the foliage of roses. It will be the worse in wet weather.
blight-- a disease characterized by general and rapid killing of leaves, flowers, and branches. Any of numerous plant diseases resulting in sudden conspicuous wilting and dying of affected parts, especially young, growing tissues. blossom end rot-- is a nutrient deficiency affecting several garden plants, including eggplant, tomato, and peppers. The disease starts as sunken, dry decaying areas start at the blossom end of the fruit, furthest away from the stem. While the outward appearance of the fruit is that it is affected by a disease-causing pathogen, the disorder is actually the result of calcium deficiency. This may be the result of low soil calcium levels, incorrect fertilizer selection, ion competiion, or drought stress. Sometimes rapid growth from high-nitrogen fertilizers may cause blossom end rot. blood meal-- a dry organic fertilizer made from blood. Analysis will be approximately NPK 11-0-0. bone meal-- made from cooked bones ground to a meal. Steamed bone meal. Phosphorus is main nutrient-NPK 1-11-0. bonsai-- is the art of growing trees and plants, kept small by being grown in a pot and by the use of skilled pruning, formed to create an aesthetic shape and the illusion of age. The Chinese art of penjing is very similar to and is the precursor of the Japanese art of bonsai. borax-- borax containes about 11% boron. Used in fertilizer as a source of the boron, a plant food element. botanical-- derived from plants or plant parts. botanical gardens-- grow a wide variety of plants both for scientific purposes and for the enjoyment and education of visitors. The scientific work done at botanical gardens includes studies of how to adapt exotic plants to grow in the locale of the garden; taxonomic studies; and the propagation of rare or endangered species of plant. broadcast application-- the application of a material such as fertilizer or herbicide to the entire surface of a field. cane borer-- an insect larva that tunnels and feeds on the core of the stem of plants such as roses.
canker-- a dead, discolored, often sunken area (lesion) on a root, trunk, stem, or branch. Canker is a general term for a large group of different plant diseases, characterised by the appearance of small areas of dead tissue, which grow slowly, often over a period of years.
caterpillar-- the larva of a butterfly, moth, sawfly, or scorpionfly.
corn borer, Pyrausta nubilalis — larva of the European corn borer moth; a serious pest of maize
certified seed or planting stock-- seeds, tubers or young plants certified by a recognized authority to be free of or to contain less than a minimum number of specified pests or pathogens. certified transplants-- strawberry plants that have received a certification tag from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, production practices must meet standards for freedom from pest problems and plant samples from production fields must test free of viruses. chelated-- a compound that minerals are often converted to before their use as soil additives and fertilizers. chlorophyll-- the green pigment of plants that captures the energy from sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. chlorosis-- a condition occuring when a plant reflects a deficiency of chlorophyll, leaves become yellowish with the veins remaining dark green. Mainly caused by too much water or not enough iron. cocoon-- a sheath, usually of silk, formed by an insect larva as a chamber for pupation. A silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs colloidal phosphate(soft)-- NPK 0-2-0. Best choice for alkaline soil and is faster releasing than rock phosphate. companion planting-- the practice of planting certain plant species-often herbs-in close association with crop plants to repel pests. The cultivation of certain kinds of plants together in the same area, especially if one species will benefit from another, as planting an insect-repellent plant in a vegetable garden. compost-- decomposed organic material used to enrich the soil. Completely decayed matter. composted manure-- animal manure, such as cow manure, that has been naturally composted and has by this process killed pathogens and weed seed.
container composting-- there are sound reasons for composting in containers, although there is debate as to whether slatted or closed sided bins are preferable, for this will affect air circulation within the compost pile, as well as the potential for heat loss. For those who do not have a lot of space, composting can be carried out with good results by using cylindrical bins provided that attention is paid to the all-important issues of aeration and C:N ratios. cottonseed meal-- fertilizer meal made from ground cottonseed. NPK 6-2-1. Best put into compost pile and cycled thru that process before using.
cover crops-- cultivation of a second type of crop primarily to improve the production system for a primary crop; examples include grasses or legumes maintained in orchards or vineyards and legume or other crops grown during the winter season to improve soil condition. A crop, such as winter rye or clover, planted between periods of regular crop production to prevent soil erosion and provide humus or nitrogen. Plowed under, a cover crop becomes a green manure. crop rotation-- the successive planting of different crops on the same land to improve soil fertility and help control insects and diseases. cultivar-- a specially developed agricultural plant variety. A variety of a plant developed from a natural species and maintained under cultivation damping-off-- destruction of seedlings by one or a combination of pathogens that weaken the stem or root. A plant disease caused by a fungus; diseased condition of seedlings in excessive moisture diatomaceous earth--an talc-like dust from skeletal remains of various minute, single-celled algae with cell walls consisting mainly of silica. Used as an insecticide and food supplement. dolomite-- made from dolomitic limestone,that contains both magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate, by a process of grinding. Added to soils lacking these minerals. dormant-- to become inactive during winter or periods of cold weather. drip irrigation-- is an irrigation method that applies water slowly to the roots of plants, by depositing the water either on the soil surface or directly to the root zone. Drip irrigation usually employs devices called emitters, which emit the water in a slow stream, and may also use devices called micro-sprinklers, which spray water in a small area. earthworm castings-- earthworm excretions high in nutrients. One of the best organic fertilizers. entomophagous nematodes-- nematodes that eat insects, Feeding on insects; insectivorous. epsom salts-- hydrated magnesium sulfate. It is used as a fast acting source of magnesium and sulfur normally used as a soil amendment. Not a table salt.
feeder roots-- the youngest roots with root hairs, important in absorption of water and minerals. fish emulsion-- a liquid fertilizer made from fish. NPK 10.5-6-0. If applied with liquid seaweed makes one great all around fertilizers.
flower bud-- a bud in which flower parts are contained. foliage-- a term that refers to the leaves of a plant.
foliar spray-- liquid solution of fertilizers sprayed on the leaves and is quickly absorbed and used right away. Increase harvest dramatically - 50% more corn, 64% more potatoes. Click here.
forest gardening-- (aka 3-Dimensional Gardening) is a food production and land management system based on replicating woodland edge ecosystems, substituting trees (such as fruit or nut trees), bushes, shrubs, herbs and vegetables which have yields directly useful to humankind. fruit tree propagation-- propagation of fruit trees is usually carried out asexually by grafting the desired variety onto a suitable rootstock. fungicide-- a pesticide used for control of fungi. Synonyms: antifungal, antifungal agent, antimycotic, antimycotic agent fungus (plural: fungi)-- a multicellular lower plant lacking chlorophyll, such as mold, mildew,
smut, or rust. The fungus body normally consists of filamentous strands called mycelium and reproduces through dispersal of spores. Chestnut blight gall-- localized swelling or outgrowth of plant tissue, often formed in response to the action of a pathogen or other pest. An abnormal swelling of plant tissue caused by insects, microorganisms, or external injury. oak apple — oak gall caused by larvae of a cynipid wasp. garden-- is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of nature. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials. The most common form is known as a residential garden. gardener-- is any person involved in the growing and maintenance of plants, notably in a garden. The terms encompasses persons from different walks of life involved in gardening from any number of aspects, from the hobbyist in a residential garden, the homeowner supplementing the family food with a small vegetable garden or orchard or the head gardener in a large estate. garden features-- which are physical elements, both natural and manmade, which can be found in the garden. garden fertilizer-- a fertilizer specifically formulated for the growing garden. Lucky for us organic fertilizers don't need any special formula.Activate soil organisms and enhances plant growth. Click here. germination-- the act of sprouting, of a seed or spore.
Gardening-- is the activity of growing and maintaining the garden. This work is done by an amateur or professional gardener. A gardener might also work in a non-garden setting, such as a park, a roadside embankment, or other public space. German (or 'Magic') mound composting method-- is a good way of dealing with excess amounts of woody garden wastes, e.g., prunings, hedge clippings, brassica stems, brashwood, etc. In summary, the technique involves digging a circular trench about 1' deep and 5' wide, in the centre of which is dug another 1' deep hole into which the rough material is piled. Turves are then stacked face down onto this pile, then layers of compost, well rotted leaves, manure, etc. are added. The layers gradually break down slowly releasing nutrients and creating rich humus over four or five years; this is ideal for growing hungry crops such as courgettes or strawberries. germination rate-- is the number of seeds of a particular plant species, variety or particular seedlot that are likely to germinate. This is usually expressed as a percentage, e.g. an 85% germination rate indicates that about 85 out of 100 seeds will probably germinate under proper conditions. Germination rate is useful in calculating seed requirements for a given area or desired number of plants. granite sand-- weathered or ground-up granite rock. Contains silicas and 19 trace minerals. Has 1-4% total potash.
grass fertilizer-- could be considered the same as lawn fertilizer. Feeding the grass is same as feeding soil and plant. Use Lawns Alive! Enhanced with humates and minerals. Click here. green manure-- a cover crop, such as rye grass and clover used to protect the soil, hold nutrients, and increase the soil fertility or organic matter.
greenhouse-- (also called a glasshouse or hothouse) is a building where plants are cultivated. greensand-- a sediment called glauconite that is naturally deposited undersea. It's an excellent source of potash. Add as an iron supplement. guano-- manure of birds and bats that is used for fertilizer purposes.
graft union-- place where the rootstock joins the scion or top part of a grafted tree or vine. ground cover-- any of various low, dense-growing plants, as ivy, pachysandra, etc., used for covering the ground, as in places where it is difficult to grow grass.
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hardening off-- the process of gradually exposing plants to cooler and adverse growing conditions to increase their chances of living when planted outside. hardscaping-- the landscape consists mostly of concrete, stones or gravel, with perhaps a cactus or two thrown in, but can look quite lush and colorful. hardy-- a plant which will survive the normal temperature range in a given area. herbicide-- a product used for weed control.
high-fibre composting-- it consists of adding all cardboard (including packaging, toilet roll tubes, cereal boxes), newspaper, magazines, etc. to the compost pile. Such material should be distributed thoroughly throughout the heap, and well screwed up in order to increase its surface area and improve aeration in the heap. It would be ideal for adding where there is a large proportion of nitrogenous material, e.g., grass mowings, kitchen vegetable wastes, and so on, and is thus well-suited to household-scale composting. honeydew-- an excretion from insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and soft scales, consisting of modified plant sap. horticulture-- defined as the culture or growing of garden plants. Horticulture is, however, much more. Horticulturists work in plant propagation, crop production, plant breeding and genetic engineering, plant biochemistry, plant physiology, and the storage, processing, and transportation of fruits, berries, nuts, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, and turf. They improve crop yield, quality, nutritional value, and resistance to insects, diseases, and environmental stresses. Genetics is also used as a valuable tool in the development of plants that can synthesize chemicals for fighting disease (including cancers). horticultural oils-- highly refined petroleum (or seed derived) oils that are manufactured specifically to control pests on plants. host-- a plant or animal that provides sustenance for another organism. houseplant-- is a plant that one grows in a dwelling, such as a house or office. Houseplants may be herbs, but are usually decorative. houseplant care-- is the act of growing houseplants and making sure they have the necessary conditions for survival and continuing growth. This includes soil with sufficient nutrients, correct lighting conditions and the right amount of water. Watering the plants on a regular basis is necessary for the plant to grow and survive. The plants may be watered on a scheduled basis to make sure the plant does not get too little or too much water. Houseplants sometimes need to be cleaned of dust and sometimes greasy films that will be collected on its leaves when they are indoor. Dusty might leaves might be inhibitive for plant growth. Different plant species need very different amounts of water and sunlight so it is important to know the spesifics for the particular plants that are being going to grow. humus-- soil or organic matter that is broken down, smells like the forest floor. 3-5% of this organic matter should be found in healthy soil. Is a slow release form of food for microorganisms. ..more info... hydromulching-- a method of seeding using seed, fertilizer, and mulch in a mixed solution sprayed on the soil surface. hydroponics-- is the growing of plants without soil hydrozoning-- is a landscape practice that groups plants with similar water requirements together in an effort to conserve water. For example, drought tolerant plants such as sages or cactus would not be planted in a bluegrass lawn, but would be separated, since bluegrass has a higher water requirement. Hydrozoning also seeks to take advantage of microclimates. Plants that tolerate more heat and wind might be planted near the street, while more sensitive plants might be planted in shade, under roof overhangs, or in fenced areas. Hydrozoning can also refer to a design practice in irrigation in an effort to improve watering efficiency. The system is designed so that plants with similar requirements are watered together and treated differently from plants with different requirements. For example, one group of plants may need watering for 20 minutes, while another group of plants may need only 10 minutes. hypha (plural: hyphae).-- one of the filaments forming the body, or mycelium, of a fungus. infestation-- the presence of a large number of pest organisms in an area or field, on the surface of a host or anything that might contact a host, or in the soil. inoculum-- any part or stage of a pathogen, such as spores or virus particles, that can infect a host. inorganic-- a fertilizer made from a source that was never alive now or in the past. insecticide-- product used to control insects.
instar-- the larval or nymph stage of an immature insect between successive molts. Any of the successive nymphal stages in the metamorphosis of insects or the stages of larval change by successive molts. integrated pest management (IPM)-- a pest management strategy that focuses on long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems through a combination of techniques such as encouraging biological control, use of resistant varieties, and adoption of alternate cultural practices such as modification of irrigation or pruning to make the habitat less conducive to pest development. Pesticides are used only when careful monitoring indicates they are needed according to preestablished guidelines, treatment thresholds, or to prevent pests from significantly interfering with the purposes for which plants are being grown. intercropping-- is the practice of cultivating an additional crop in the spaces available between the main crop. kelp-- any of a variety of brown seaweeds, ground up, used to enrich poor soil. NPK 1-0.5-2.5. knot garden-- is a very formal design of garden in a square frame and grown with a variety or aromatic plants and culinary herbs including Germander, marjoram, thyme, southernwood, lemonbalm, hyssop, costmary, acanthus, mallow, chamomile, rosemary, Calendulas, Violas and Santolina. Most knot gardens had edges made from Box (Buxus sempervirens) whose foliage has a sweet smell when bruised. The paths between were usually laid with fine gravel. Most Renaissance knot gardens were composed of square compartments. A small garden might consist of one compartment, while large gardens might contain six or eight compartments. landscape gardening-- refers to the art of creating a sculptured look to large or small scale gardens. larva (plural: larvae)-- the immature form of insects that develop through the process of complete metamorphosis including egg, several larval stages, pupa, and adult. In mites, the first-stage immature is also called a larva. lawn-- is a cultivated, mowed field planted with grass and sometimes clover and other plants. Lawns are typically planted near homes, often as part of gardens. The purpose of a lawn is to create a comfortable space upon which games can be played, picnics held, and any other social events happen. lawn fertilizer-- a fertilizer set up to feed the lawn(grass) and the soil that it grows in.Building a Healthy Lawn-Book. Click here. leaching-- the gradual loss of minerals from soil by the action of water. liquid fertilizer-- a fertilizer in liquid form that is distributed by a sprayer. living wall-- is a vertical garden. Plants are rooted in compartments between two sheets of fibrous material anchored to a wall. Water trickles down between the sheets and feeds moss, vines and other plants. Bacteria on the roots of the plants metabolize air impurities such as volatile organic compounds Compost Tea Kit-use it everywhere. Click here loam-- the ideal type of soil(earth) which is a mixture of clay, sand, and silt. The addition of organic material will make it perfect.
macronutrients-- essentials needed for all plants in large quantities. Include NPK, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium. magnesium sulfate-- a soluble salt used as a source of magnesium like epsom salts. manure-- means some types of organic matter used as fertilizer for land. The word is also sometime used as a polite word for an animal's feces. metamorphosis-- the change in form that takes place as insects grow from immatures to adults. Synonym: metabolism microbial pesticides-- pesticides that consist of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other microorganisms used for control of weeds, invertebrates, or plant pathogens. micronutrients-- essentials needed for all plants, include iron, manganese, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, colbalt, and zinc. micropropagation-- generation of new, disease-free potato plants from tiny pieces of meristem tissue. microorganisms-- included are bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, algae, protozoa, beneficial nematodes, and yeast which exist to breakdown organic matter into mineral elements. minerals-- they are the food and nutrients for plants and microorganisms. They are the basic form of organic matter. mulch-- a covering or blanket, usually organic or inorganic, placed on the soil around the base of plants to reduce erosion, control weeds, conserve moisture, and provide insulation to the soil in extremely hot or cold weather.
multiple cropping-- is the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same space during a single growing season. mycorrhizae-- beneficial associations between plant roots and fungi. natural enemies-- predators, parasites, or pathogens that are considered beneficial because they attack and kill organisms that we normally consider to be pests. necrosis-- death of tissue accompanied by dark brown discoloration, usually occurring in a well-defined part of a plant, such as the portion of a leaf between leaf veins or the xylem or phloem in a stem or tuber. NPK-- initials for Nitrogen-Phosphate-Potash. No dig gardening-- is an approach to cultivation favored by many organic gardeners. The primary reasons for digging the soil are to remove weeds, to loosen and aerate the soil and to incorporate organic matter such as compost or manure. However there is a strong case against digging, which argues that in the long term it can be damaging to the soil's health. While digging is an effective way of removing perennial weed roots, it can also cause dormant seeds to come to the surface and germinate. Digging can also damage soil structure and cause problems like compaction, can disturb and damage balances among soil life and by exposure to the air, tends to burn up nutrients which then need to be replenished. organic-- material which is either plant or animal in origin. organic gardening-- is gardening without the use of man-made chemical pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It is said by some of its supporters to be more in harmony with nature. Organic gardeners emphasise the importance of "feeding the soil, not the plant". Organic lawn management-- is the practice of establishing and caring for a garden lawn without the use of chemical inputs such as pesticides or artificial fertilizers. ornamental grasses-- any of various plants having slender leaves characteristic of the grass family. oviposit-- to lay or deposit eggs. oviposition-- the laying or depositing of eggs. parasite-- an organism that derives its food from the body of another organism, the host, without killing the host directly; also an insect that spends its immature stages in the body of a host that dies just before the parasite emerges (this type is also called a parasitoid). parterre-- is a formal garden construction on a level surface consisting of planting beds, edged in stone or tightly clipped hedging and gravel paths arranged to form a pleasing pattern. Parterres need not have any flowers at all. pathogen-- a disease-causing organism patio garden-- is an outdoor garden space generally used for dining or recreation that often adjoins a residence and is typically paved. Specifically, it may refer to a roofless inner courtyard of the sort found in Spanish-style dwellings. Patio gardening is often based around the use of large clay pots.
peat-- partly decomposed moss plant which grows in moist areas in the north. penjing-- is the ancient Chinese art of growing trees and plants, kept small by skilled pruning and formed to create an aesthetic shape and the illusion of age. Penjing is very similar to (and a precursor of) the Japanese art of bonsai. Penjing trees are commonly kept outdoors, in gardens, and tend to be trained larger than the bonsai style. It is also in the Penjing style to create groupings of trees, creating a scene of a forest, rather than an individual tree. pergola-- is a garden feature forming a shaded walk or passageway of pillars that support cross beams and a sturdy open lattice, upon which woody vines are trained. permaculture-- is the practice of designing sustainable human habitats by following nature's patterns. pesticide-- any substance or mixture intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, killing, or mitigating problems caused by any insects, rodents, weeds, nematodes, fungi, or other pests; and any other substance or mixture intended for use as a plant growth regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. pesticide resistance-- the genetically acquired ability of an organism to survive a pesticide application at doses that once killed most individuals of the same species. perennial-- a plant that grows year after year as are most trees, shrubs, grasses, and some smaller plants.
pH-- the measurement of the acidity and alkalinity of a material. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. 0-7 indicate acidity, 7-14 indicate alkalinity. pheromone-- a substance secreted by an organism to affect the behavior or development of other members of the same species; sex pheromones that attract the opposite sex for mating are used in monitoring certain insects. phosphate-- the fertilizer form of phosphorus. Usually considered the actual flower producing mineral. photosynthesis-- the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. potash-- usually made from wood ashes. One of the three main minerals in fertilizer. A term used to denote potassium.
pollinator-- the agent of pollen transfer, usually bees. Synonyms: pollenate, cross-pollinate. The most recognized pollinators are:
postemergence herbicide-- herbicide applied after the emergence of weeds. potassium magnesium sulfate-- also called Sul-Po-Mag and langeinite. Mined mainly in New Mexico and some european countries. Use in areas that lack these minerals. predator-- any animal (including insects and mites) that kills other animals (prey) and feeds on them. preemergence herbicide-- herbicide applied before emergence of weeds. protozoa-- one-celled microscopic animals needed to help breakdown organic matter. pruning-- is the practice of removing diseased, overmature, or otherwise unwanted portions from a woody plant. Pinching back herbaceous plants, such as chrysanthemums to encourage denser growth or more profuse or delayed flowering, is a form of pruning. raised bed gardening-- the soil is formed in 3-4 foot (1.0-1.2m) wide beds, which can be of any length. The soil is about 0.5-1 foot (15-30cm) above the surrounding soil, sometimes enclosed by a frame generally made of wood or concrete blocks, and enriched with compost made from leaves and grass clippings. The vegetable plants are spaced in geometric patterns, much closer together than conventional row gardening. rock garden-- also known as a rockery or an alpine garden, is a type of garden that features extensive use of rocks or stones, along with plants native to rocky or alpine environments. rock powders-- the most common rock powders are limestone, rock phosphate, granite dust, greensand, langbeinite, and basalt. They have fertilizing qualities and most effective in acid soils.
root rot-- a disease caused by fungus that attacks the root system of plants. Caused by improper moisture conditions.
rootstock-- an underground stem or rhizome; lower portion of a graft which develops into the root system. Synonyms: rhizome, rootstalk root stimulator-- a solution high in phophorus fertilizer and a rooting hormone used to increase the root growth. rosette-- a cluster of leaves arranged in a compact circular pattern, often at a shoot tip or on a shortened stem. row covers-- any fabric or protective covering placed over rows of plants to protect them from pest damage or harsh climate.
seaweed-- saltwater plants used for fertilizer. Combined with fish emulsion can provide the best complete organic fertilizer. secondary elements-- plant food elements such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. All needed for healthy soil and plants. seedbed-- is a specially prepared area of the garden that has been made suitable for the sowing and germination of plant seeds. A seedbed has usually been well broken down into a fine tilth using a tool such as a rake, and will have had any stones or weeds removed. The site will have been levelled for even drainage. seed piece-- portion of a potato tuber containing at least one eye that is planted to produce a new potato plant. shadehouse-- is a gardener's edifice used to protect cultivated plants from excessive heat, light or dryness. side dressing-- fertilizer or other material added to the soil around a growing crop. Synonyms: fertilization, fertilisation, fecundation. soil-- primarily clay, sand, silt, organic matter, and living organisms making the top layer of earth's crust. soil acidifier-- a material used to make the soil more acid. soil amendment-- different from fertilizer by law. Matter that makes the soil healthier by activating microorganisms, balance pH, and add nutrients while balancing them. soil conditioner-- a material that is added to the soil to improve its content. soil life-- is a collective term for all the organisms living within the soil. soil pH-- is an indication of the alkalinity or acidity of soil. It is based on the measurement of pH, which is based in turn on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a water or salt solution. solar greenhouse-- works by letting in solar radiation and trapping the energy from that radiation to increase the internal temperature above that of the surrounding atmosphere. solarization-- the practice of heating soil to levels lethal to pests through application of clear plastic to the soil surface for 4 to 6 weeks during sunny, warm weather. sooty mold-- a sooty coating on foliage or fruit, formed by the dark mycelia of fungi that live in the honeydew secreted by certain insects. spent mushroom compost-- is the residual compost waste generated by the mushroom production industry. It is easily available, and its formulation consists of a combination of wheat straw, dried blood, horse manure and ground chalk, composted together. It is an excellent source of humus, although much of its nitrogen content will have been used up by the growing mushrooms. specific gravity-- the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of pure water; specific gravity of potato tubers is used as a measure of their dry matter content. spore-- a reproductive body produced by certain fungi and other organisms, capable of growing into a new individual under proper conditions. sporulation-- the production of spores. square foot gardening-- is a type of intensive gardening. It is based on the idea that the wide rows in conventional home gardening are a waste of time and space, and that more quality vegetables can be grown in less space with less effort. stale seed bed-- is a useful organic weed control technique which involves creating a seedbed some weeks before seed is due to be sown. staminate flower-- a male flower. stratification-- is the process of pretreating seeds to simulate natural conditions that a seed must endure before germination. Many seed species have what is called an embryonic dormancy and generally speaking will not sprout until this dormancy is broken. succession planting-- refers to several planting methods that increase crop availability during a growing season by making efficient use of space and timing. sucker-- shoot arising from the trunk or rootstock. sul-po-mag-- mined material consisting of sulfur, potassium, and magnesium. Only apply when analyzis show lacking these minerals. synthetic organic pesticides-- manufactured pesticides produced from petroleum and containing largely carbon and hydrogen atoms in their basic structure. taproot-- the large primary root that grows vertically downward, giving off small lateral roots. three sisters-- are the three main agricultural crops of Native Americans in North America: squash, maize (or corn), and climbing beans toxin-- a poisonous substance produced by a living organism. tuber-- an enlarged, fleshy, underground stem with buds capable of producing new plants. vector-- an organism able to transport and transmit a pathogen to a host. vegetative-- plant parts or plant growth not involved in the production of seed, such as roots, stems, and leaves. vermicompost-- (or worm compost) is produced by feeding kitchen scraps and shredded newspaper to worms. It is one of several different methods of composting. vermiculite-- a spongy soil conditioner often used to lighten clay soils. It may also be used as a propagating conditioner. vermiculture-- using worms to eat newspapers and food scrapes to produce nutrient rich castings.
volunteer-- is a plant that grows on its own, rather than being deliberately planted by a human farmer or gardener. walled garden-- is a garden which is surrounded by high walls. While these walls may now serve a decorative purpose, their original purpose was to shelter the plants within the garden from winds and frosts. The shelter provided can raise the ambient temperature within the garden by several degrees, thus permitting plants to be grown that would not survive in the natural climate of the location. weed control-- a botanical component of pest control, stops weeds from reaching a mature stage of growth when they could be harmful to domesticated plants, sometimes livestocks, by using manual techniques including soil cultivation, mulching and herbicides. weeds-- a plant growing in a place where it is not desirable. Any plant can be a weed to different people.
white roots-- secondary roots. wildlife gardening is a school of gardening that is aimed at creating an environment that is attractive to various forms of wildlife such as birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, mammals and so on. wood ashes-- NPK 0-1.5-8. Will increase the pH of soil. It should not be used in one area more than every 3-4 years.
xeriscaping-- is a water-conservative approach to landscaping. Plants whose cultural requirements are appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to avoid wasting water to evaporation and run-off.
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