Gardening terms for beginners
Have you decided to become a gardener? Great! When learning a new language, we always begin with the alphabet. So, if you’re wondering where to start, here’s a brief alphabetical overview of the basic gardening terms for beginners that you’ll come across very often.
Allelopathy –
From the Greek words állēlos (“to each other”) and páthos (suffering, disease or hypersensitivity). The science of how substances released from plants affect the growth, survival or reproduction of other organisms and especially other plants. Read more about Allelopathy here.
Annual plant –
A plant that completes its life cycle during a growing season (from seed to the formation of new seeds) and dies. An important factor in the length of the life cycle is, of course, the climate in which it is grown. Plants that originate from a warmer climate and are actually perennials, in the colder climate are grown as annuals (peppers, tomatoes), as they cannot survive at low temperatures.
Biennial plant –
A plant that completes its life cycle in two years (two growing seasons).
Biodynamic agriculture –
From Greek words bios – (life) and dynamis – (power), literally translated as “life force”. Biodynamic horticulture is horticulture without the use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. It is a method of organic farming based on the philosophical models of Rudolf Steiner. Biodynamics combines “organic” agriculture with the development of “dynamic” ecological systems. Biodynamics sees each farm as an organism with its own individuality, leading to an overall balanced ecosystem. It includes integrating crops with livestock, recycling food waste, maintaining soil microorganisms, improving the health and well-being of crops, animals and even humans. This method has certain metaphysical aspects and a more spiritual connection to natural rhythms. For example, planting the seeds taking into account certain lunar phases.
Bulb –
A strongly shortened stem, on which modified fleshy leaves / scales are densely arranged. The bulbs are usually covered with dry husk, which protects them from injury and drying. Growth points are formed in their core, from which later small bulbs grow for further propagation. Flowers such as hyacinth, daffodil, tulip, lily, crocus, gladiolus, and freesia are actually bulbs.
Bulbous vegetables –
Plants that are used by humans mainly for the consumption of their bulbs. Some prominent ones are onions, garlic, and leeks.
Climbing (creeping) plant –
A plant whose stem can not withstand its own weight and to grow upwards, attaches itself to some form of support via whiskers, suction cups or roots.
Climate zones –
Systematization of zones of endurance, according to the lowest usual temperatures, which are typical for a certain territory. Serves to determine the appropriate plants for growing in a particular area.
Conventional agriculture –
Based on the application of chemical methods of pest control and the use of synthetic fertilizers to improve soil fertility. Intensive conventional farming has led to an increase in crop production, but at the same time depletes soil nutrients faster than nature restores them. As a result, large quantities of artificial chemicals, heavy metals and pesticides are introduced into the soil, which gradually leads to both deterioration of human health and has detrimental results on the environment.
Composting –
From Latin kompozre: gather together; a natural exothermic process, which is the controlled decomposition of organic materials by an aerobic or anaerobic biological process. This results in a humus-like material called compost, in some cases called biofertilizer.
Cuttings –
Part of a plant that can be used for propagation.
Direct variety –
These are the so-called “old” varieties of plants that are pollinated freely – by insects or wind, and retain their characteristics unchanged from generation to generation. Varieties that have existed for at least 50 years or before the Second World War are considered old.
Fertilizer –
Substances (organic and mineral) that are mixed into the soil to increase its fertility. Organic ones are most often animal excrement or plant compost.
Fruit vegetables –
A little-known subgroup of plants that we consider vegetables. They are known to be grown for their fruit. These are tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, green beans, green peas, green beans, physalis, pumpkin, zucchini, olives, avocados and watermelons.
Germination –
The first stage in the development of the plant from seed.
Grafting –
A process in which a part of a plant called a cutting is artificially placed on the stem of another plant called a rootstock. In Bulgaria, the word “ashladisvane” is often used, from Turkish: “ashlama” – a branch for grafting, graft. The word “graft” is often used for grafting.
Ground cover plant –
A plant that is used to provide dense vegetation cover which is small in height.
Hybrid –
A plant whose parents are of different varieties, species or genera, but not of different families. When crossing two different varieties, their qualities are combined, frequently in search of a specific property – endurance, disease resistance or more abundant production. The combination is done by artificial pollination (usually mechanical by hand), in practice imitating nature, which does the same naturally.
Humus –
An organic part of the soil, which is formed by the decomposition of organic residues in the soil – dead plants, animals and microorganisms. It is a source of root nutrition for plants. The higher the humus content, the more fertile the soil, the healthier the plants are.
Leafy vegetables –
Plants that are used by humans mainly for consumption of their leaves or stems; also called salad vegetables. Prime examples are spinach, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, sorrel, nettle, parsley, dock, arugula, chard, kale, basil, mint and others.
Mulching –
Covering the soil around plants with organic or inorganic materials. This regulates soil moisture and temperature. More moisture is retained in the soil – only about 10% of the water evaporates from mulched soil, compared to 80% evaporation when the soil is not covered. This not only reduces the need for watering, but also the risk of fungal diseases. The mulch cover also regulates the temperature differences by preventing the roots of the plant from overheating or freezing. Organic mulch is bark, sawdust, peat, leaves, pine needles, straw, dried cut grass, walnut shells, paper or cardboard. Inorganic mulch are gravel, decorative stones, nylon, geotextiles or other artificial materials. Read the detailed article on mulching here.
Organic farming –
Based on the use of natural and environmentally friendly methods of pest control on crops. Organic farming integrates biological, mechanical, physical and chemical methods of farm management, without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, as well as GMOs. The aim is to protect soil characteristics and the biodiversity of ecosystems in general. Last but not least is the protection of human health by obtaining agricultural products without residual chemicals in it.
Peat –
A dark brown mass of partially decomposed plants formed in humid conditions, such as swamps.
Perennial plant –
A plant that under normal conditions of its origin lives three or more years. Plants that originate from a warmer climate and are actually perennials, in the Bulgarian climate are grown as annuals (peppers, tomatoes), as they can not winter at low temperatures here. This can vary from region to region across the globe.
Pesticides –
From the Latin pest – harm and caedo – kill; i.e. “Pest killers”, poisonous chemical compounds designed specifically for pest control. Depending on the organisms against which they are used, pesticides have the appropriate names: insecticides (kill insects), fungicides (kill fungi), herbicides (kill weeds), rodenticides (kill rodents), etc. More often, however, the poison that is used kills not only the harmful but also all other organisms in the group.
Planting –
To bury the root of a plant in the ground in order for it to develop, e.g. “I plant fruit trees.” Derivatives: po-sadya, za-sadya, na-sadya, pre-sadya (changes the location of the plant), raz-sadya (distributes the plants over a larger area).
Rhizome –
A modified stem that grows horizontally under or on the soil surface. The rhizome is a modified underground plant stem from which roots and shoots emerge. Rhizomes have the ability to start new shoots and grow vertically. Main function – vegetative propagation, creating a food reserve.
Root –
An underground vegetative organ that attaches the plant to the soil and absorbs water and mineral salts. Main function – water supply, nutrients, retention of sprouts in the soil.
Root vegetables –
Plants that are used by humans mainly for consumption in their underground form (root part or tubers). These are potatoes, turnips, celery, beets, ginger, onions, garlic, alabaster, carrots, parsnips and more.
Seedlings –
Densely sprouted young shoots of a cultivated plant, which are then transplanted.
Seed rot –
A process that accelerates seed germination. For this purpose, the soaked seeds are spread in a thin layer in a suitable container. They are covered with a damp sack and kept at a temperature of 20-25 °C. From time to time the seeds are stirred, and the sack is kept constantly moist. When 3-5% of the seeds show their sprouts, they are ready.
Sow –
To throw or put seeds in the ground to grow new plants. Eg. “Sow wheat.” Derivatives: za-sevam, pod-sevam (supplement, add seeds), raz-sevam.
Transplantation –
Moving seedlings from the place where they were sown, to other containers or farming plot, where they can be placed at greater distances from one another.
Tube –
A solid, globular thickening at the roots of some plants, which serves as a place for the accumulation of reserve nutrients. Additional buds are formed at the upper end of the tubers, from which new stems grow during the next vegetative period. Modified roots are used for overwintering and vegetative propagation. Dahlias, begonias, glorioses, cyclamen, oxalis.
Urban gardening –
Growing plants in urban conditions.
Vegetables –
It may seem strange that I explain this word to you, but it is not bad to know that in botany it is believed that the definition of “vegetable” is extremely incorrect and does not really exist. There are fruits and edible parts of plants in which reserve nutrients accumulate. However, the human mind divides plants into fruits and vegetables. Most people categorize “vegetables” as food that is consumed as part of the main meal. While, “fruits” as food that is eaten for dessert or as a snack. The main dividing line is most often the sugar content, i.e. fruits are sweet because they contain higher amounts of fructose, and vegetables are less sweet due to its limited amount.
Vegetation (vegetation period) –
The period during which the plant actively grows and develops and forms new stems, leaves, flowers, fruits.
Vegetative propagation –
A type of propagation characteristic of plants. Through which, new individuals are obtained without the help of seeds or spores. This reproduction is carried out through the leaves, roots or other parts of plants such as bulbs.
Weeds –
A negative definition used by humans to identify plants that are in strong competition with the crops we decide to grow. However, so-called weeds have a role to play in creating soil fertility and a balanced biological community. For example, the dandelion – a very unusual “weed” that all owners of ryegrass lawns are struggling with. Many people do not know that it does not actually compete with ryegrass, because it takes nutrients from a much deeper layer of soil (its roots reach 90 cm). In addition, the soil around dandelions attracts earthworms because this plant is a natural “machine” for humus. Its roots extract substances from the deep soil layers, especially phosphorus, potassium and calcium, which deposit on the surface, restoring erosion losses. Read about useful weeds with health benefits here.
Till the next time.. Keep planting
