Gardening Dictionary
Ever get a bit confused over some of the terminology that is used sometimes, or have a few questions about the gardening world? Here at Notcutts we are dedicated in giving you the best service possible and through this new Gardeners Dictionary we hope all your questions are answered. If you have any other queries please, don’t hesitate to ask or check out our Gardening Guides.
What is the meaning of hardening off?
It is the process of preparing seedlings, which have been grown under glass for outdoors. Initially increase the ventilation before moving the seedlings into cold frames.
What is the difference between a bare root rose and a normal rose?
Bare-root roses are dug in fields in the autumn season, stored, and then sold. Usually they do not have any leaves and are pruned to 3 to 5 green canes about 8"-12" long and if healthy, the roots should be brown in colour and have a moist texture.
Do plants bleed? How can I prevent bleeding?
Yes they do. It normally occurs when pruning and the plant tissues have been cut. To prevent this make sure the plant is dormant before pruning.
What is the meaning of bolt?
When a crop bolts, this means it has grown to flower or seed before producing the crop you have grown it for. To prevent this from happening make sure not to plant too late and in the right conditions (weather).
What is the meaning of Bud eye?
The bud eye is a measurement for the potential growth point. Normally used for propagation or budding.
What is the meaning of blind shoot?
This is when the plant has failed to flower or produce fruit, caused by wither damage or the bud dying.
What is companion planting?
Companion planting is when a gardener plants two different plants closely together thinking that their separate traits will benefit each other.
My rose is cupped, what does that mean?
This is when the centre of the rose is depressed.
What is the meaning of dampening off?
It is a fungus disease, which usually affects seedlings, by causing the stem to rot off at soil level. This normally occurs when there has been over-watering.
I caught my neighbour saying dark-dependent seeds, did I hear him right?
Yes you did. These seeds are seeds that will only germinate in darkness, it is always best to cover the seeds with soil to quicken the process.
My radishes taste really hot, what is the cause of this?
Most people tend to think that the size of the radish determines how hot it is. However, it is how long it has been growing for that determines how hot it will be, if they grow too slowly or are old crops they will be very hot to taste.
How can I control invading plants like weeds?
To control weeds investing over your garden or allotment the best way to remove them physically and dispose of them including their seeds. This will prevent them from returning and reduce their seed production.
What is an indigenous plant?
It is a plant species that is native in a specific region. These plants are normally referred to as wild plants.
What does IPM stand for?
Integrated Pest Management. It is a method that gardeners can learn to manage pests. Minimizing pests rather than killing them.
What is the meaning of micropropogation?
This is a cloning technique; tissue is taken from a single plant in order to mass produce.
What is pricking out?
It is the transplanting of seedlings from a tray or pot where they were sown, to individual pots, where they can be spaced out.
What is a pseudobulb?
A pseudobulb is the name given to the swollen stems of orchids as it takes the shape of a bulb when it is storing food and water.
What is the difference between an acidic soils and an alkaline soil?
The difference between soils is found in the pH levels, which is measured by the amount of lime or calcium in the soil. if the pH level is lower than 7.0 it is acidic soil, but higher than 7.0 your soil is alkaline.
What is underplanting?
Underplanting is when you plant lower growing or ground covering plants under taller ones or trees.
What is the meaning of xeriscape?
This is a method of landscaping, often as a water conservation strategy that uses drought-resistant plants, which are well adapted to the local area.
I want to improve the quality of my soil, how can I do that?
Add compost or peat to your soil repeatedly over the course of a few years will help the quality of the soil. However, depending on the plot size and the condition of your soil this might be time consuming and expensive. A great way to save some money would be to
make your own compost.I’ve heard it is important to rotate vegetable crops every season, why is this?
The reason for growing particular varieties of vegetable plants in different parts of your vegetable garden each season is that soil pests, are easier to control when rotate crops. If you grow the same plant in the same area of your vegetable patch/allotment it can result in having a serious infestation of pests.
The four major groups of vegetables to rotate are: Brassicas, Onions, Potatoes and Tomatoes and Legumes.
Where possible grow these vegetables in the same area only one year in three, it may not always be achievable, but is something to aim for.
What is a medium loam soil?
Medium loam soil is an "average" soil type that improves the plant’s ability to be very productive without being high maintenance.