Annuals: Plants that grow from seed, blossom, produce fruits and seeds, and die within one year. Their seeds can be collected to grow the following season. Examples include impatiens, marigolds, pansies, and petunias.

Bolting: The term used to describe a plant that has gone to seed; a condition that occurs most often in plants eaten for their leaves (i.e. lettuce, cilantro, parsley, spinach). The plant flowers and the flavor of the leaves change (often becoming bitter). Bolting can be initiated by hot temperatures, or can simply occur when the plant is reaching the end of its cycle.

Bulbs: A diverse group of perennial plants that store nutrients to support growth and bloom. Examples include tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.

Container gardening: The practice of growing plants exclusively in containers (such as pots and barrels) instead of planting them in the ground. In some cases, this method of growing is used for ornamental purposes. It is also useful in areas where the soil is unsuitable for the plant or crop in question. Limited growing space can further make this method appealing

Compost: A mixture of decaying organic matter, as from leaves and vegetable and fruit scraps, used to improve soil structure and provide nutrients. Well-balanced compost requires air, moisture, carbon and nitrogen materials, micro- and macro-organisms.

Cover crops: A crop, such as winter wheat, winter rye, or clover, planted between periods of regular crop production to prevent soil erosion and provide humus or nitrogen.

Germination: The process of a seed forming a sprout.

Fertilizer: Any of a large number of natural and synthetic materials, including manure, bone meal, seaweed, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compounds. It is spread on or worked into soil to increase its capacity to support plant growth.

Hand Cultivator: A pronged tool used for loosening the soil; also helpful in weeding stubborn roots.

Hardening Off: To gradually introduce transplants (seedlings) to outdoors conditions before planting in the ground.

Hardiness: The ability of a plant to tolerate hot or cold climates.

Loam: A well-balanced soil comprising clay, silt, and sand. Ideal planting medium for gardeners.

Mulch: A protective covering, usually of organic matter such as leaves, straw, or peat, placed around plants to prevent the evaporation of moisture, the freezing of roots, and the growth of weeds. Also used in walkways.

Peat Moss: Partially decomposed sphagnum moss (bog moss) that is used as a soil amendment; increases moisture retention.

Perennials: Plants that live and flower for more than one season and die to the ground each winter. Examples include bleeding hearts, chrysanthemums, iris, peonies, trees, and shrubs.

Perlite: Granular volcanic rock used to lighten potting soil and improve its aeration.

Rain barrel: A barrel used as a container to hold rainwater; a water conservation method in gardens.

Raised bed gardening: The gardening method that utilizes constructed frames placed above ground. The frames are on average 3’-5’ wide, and can be of any length. As with container gardening, soil is added to fill the frame, and seeds and transplants are planted in the imported soil rather than directly into the ground.

Trowel: A small hand tool used in gardening, resembles a much smaller version of a shovel.

Vermiculite: Lightweight mineral granules that improve the aeration and water retention of potting soil.

For a Gardening Tools Glossary, click here!

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