Here is the start of our gardening glossary. If there are any terms that you are curious about the aren't on here at the moment then do drop comment below and we will add it to the blog.
Adventitious roots
Adventitious roots are plant roots that form from any nonroot tissue. They are commonly found in tomato plants and are produced both during normal development for example in nodal roots on strawberry plants or in response to stress like too few nutrients, excess water or plant damage. If you have ever had a tomato plant that has fallen over and then somehow rerooted itself then it will be the adventitious roots that have been in play.
Annual Plants
Plants that complete their life cycle, including germination, flowering, seed production, and death, within one growing season. Annual plants typically need to be replanted each year. Examples include marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers.
Blossom End Rot
This is a condition caused by a lack of calcium in crops like aubergines, peppers and tomatoes. It appears as dark circular patch on the ends of the fruit where the flower was. It is caused by underwatering so that the calcium avaiable in the soil doesn't get delivered to the end of the fruits.
Companion planting
Companion planting is where two or more crops are grown together for the benefit of one, or all. It is a great way to deter pests without using chemicals - click through to see our Top 5 Tips for Companion Planting
Compost
Decomposed organic matter used to improve soil fertility and texture. Adding compost to your garden beds can help your plants grow healthier and stronger.
Cover crop
Drip irrigation
Fertiliser
Heirloom
A type of vegetable or fruit that has been passed down through generations, often with unique traits and flavors. Growing heirloom varieties can add diversity and interest to your garden and plate.
Hardening off
Leggy seedlings
Mulch
No Dig
Put simply ‘No dig’ is exactly that - a means of gardening without digging over the plot each year which leads to imroved soil quality and less back ache. It is a passion of award winning expert and writer Charles Dowding who runs courses on his farm in Somerset. To find out if it is right for you check out this blog Is No Dig right for me?Organic gardening
Perennial Plants
Pest control
pH
A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity. Understanding the pH level of your soil is important for choosing the right plants and fertilizers for your garden.Companion planting - the practice of planting certain crops together to maximize growth and pest control. Pairing certain plants can help deter pests, improve soil health, and increase yield.Pinching out
Pricking out
Raised bed
Rootrainers
Rootrainers are innovative planting cells you can use to grow all sorts of vegetables, fruit and flowers from seed. They are the perfect start for nearly all plants and especially those with deep roots that are sensitive to disturbance like sweet peas and beans. Find out more here How to use Rootrainers
Seedlings
Young plants that have just sprouted from seeds. Starting your own seedlings indoors before transplanting them into your garden can give your plants a head start and help them grow more quickly.
Soil Types
Clay soil
Loam soil
Soil pH
Succession Planting
thisiswhen you stagger your seed planting, so instead of planting the whole packet of seeds, plant enough to fill your bed and then 2 to 3 weeks later repeat. This has the huge advantage that you don’t end up with a glut of one particular crop.
Stratification
Stratification of seeds involves mixing the seed with a moist medium and keeping warm and/or cold for a certain time before sowing. This simulates a the drop in temperature that they would naturally get in Winter, triggering them to grow as if Spring had arrived. This stratification can often be achieved placing seeds in moist paper towels in the fridge.
Tilling
Transplanting
Vigoroot
An air pruning fabric that gives a fundamentally different and better root system. It also means if you use a planter made from Vigoroot you can grow fruit and vegetables in a much smaller pot and your plants will never become pot bound. Check out this video to see more Vigoroot Pots & Planters