Gardening Terms

A green caterpillar pest of cruciferous crops, named for its looping movement. Learn more.

A hardened soil layer cemented by calcium carbonate that impedes drainage and root growth. Learn more.

a mass of thin-walled cells, usually formed as a result of wounding or infection. Learn more.

Wound tissue that forms over cuts and can develop roots or shoots in propagation. Learn more.

an herb with spiny pods, for example puncturevine. Learn more.

the outer whorl of flower parts, usually green, that encloses the petals and other floral parts when in bud. Learn more.

The layer of meristematic tissue between the xylem and phloem where secondary growth occurs. Learn more.

The layer of actively dividing cells between the xylem and phloem that enables secondary growth in plants. Learn more.

A long, slender woody stem typical of roses, raspberries, and some shrubs. Learn more.

long, woody, and flexible stems rising from the ground, typical of brambles and roses. Learn more.

Localized areas of dead tissue on stems or branches, often caused by fungal or bacterial infection. Learn more.

A dry fruit that splits open to release its seeds when mature. Learn more.

The biogeochemical cycle through which carbon moves among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. Learn more.

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or activity. Learn more.

The long-term storage of carbon dioxide in vegetation, soils, or the ocean to mitigate climate change. Learn more.

The basic female reproductive unit of a flower, consisting of ovary, style, and stigma. Learn more.

A root-feeding fly whose larvae tunnel into carrots, parsnips, and related crops. Learn more.

The maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely. Learn more.

the outer layer of an exoskeleton shed by an insect or mite and often seen on leaves or twigs. Learn more.

fecal material; caterpillar pellets. Learn more.

The larval stage of moths and butterflies, many species being major plant defoliators. Learn more.

A positively charged ion, such as potassium (K⁺) or calcium (Ca²⁺), essential for plant nutrition and soil chemistry. Learn more.

A measure of soil’s ability to hold and exchange positively charged nutrient ions. Learn more.

A slim, cylindrical flower cluster, usually wind-pollinated and lacking petals. Learn more.

A rust disease requiring juniper and apple hosts, producing galls on juniper and spots on apple leaves. Learn more.

Accumulated hours of cold required by some plants to break dormancy and flower properly. Learn more.

The green photosynthetic pigment essential for capturing light energy. Learn more.

The plant cell organelle where photosynthesis occurs. Learn more.

Yellowing of leaves due to insufficient chlorophyll, often from nutrient deficiency or poor conditions. Learn more.

showing chlorosis; having pale or yellowed leaves due to lack of chlorophyll. Learn more.

A flattened stem resembling and functioning as a leaf. Learn more.

The study of clay minerals and their structure, affecting soil texture, nutrient exchange, and water retention. Learn more.

Soil with a high proportion of fine particles that holds water and nutrients but drains slowly. Learn more.

A form of self-pollination where flowers do not open, ensuring seed set in adverse conditions. Learn more.

The regulation of temperature, humidity, and light in greenhouse environments to optimize plant growth. Learn more.

A small, transparent cover placed over plants to protect them from cold and pests. Learn more.

Genetically identical individuals derived from a single ancestor by asexual reproduction. Learn more.

A self-sustaining system in which waste is reused or recycled to minimize resource loss. Learn more.

A soilborne disease of brassicas causing swollen, distorted roots and stunted plants. Learn more.

a protective covering, often of silk, spun by many larvae during the pupal stage. Learn more.

A low, unheated enclosure that protects plants and extends the growing season. Learn more.

A pre-germination treatment that exposes seeds to a cold, moist period to break dormancy. Learn more.

Brassica vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and kale grown for edible leaves or buds. Learn more.

Placing certain plants together to enhance growth, deter pests, or improve yield. Learn more.

Decomposed organic matter added to soil to improve structure and fertility. Learn more.

A container used to hold and manage organic waste during the composting process. Learn more.

A liquid extract made by steeping compost to apply as a soil drench or foliar spray. Learn more.

The controlled decomposition of organic matter into nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. Learn more.

A leaf composed of multiple leaflets attached to a single petiole. Learn more.

The reproductive structure of conifers containing seeds or pollen. Learn more.

Describes structures, such as petals or leaves, that are fused to each other. Learn more.

A landscaping technique aligning planting beds along land contours to reduce erosion. Learn more.

Cutting trees or shrubs back to ground level to promote new shoots from the base. Learn more.

A swollen underground stem that stores nutrients and produces new growth. Learn more.

A moth larva that feeds on corn ears and other crops, causing direct kernel damage. Learn more.

The collective term for the petals of a flower. Learn more.

A layer of tissue between the epidermis and vascular tissue, involved in storage and transport of nutrients. Learn more.

A flat-topped or slightly convex inflorescence in which lower flower stalks are longer than upper ones. Learn more.

The embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants that often emerges first during germination. Learn more.

A crop grown primarily to protect and enrich the soil rather than for harvest. Learn more.

the mobile first-stage nymphs of certain scale insects or adelgids. Learn more.

With rounded or scalloped teeth along the margin. Learn more.

The practice of alternating the types of crops grown in a specific area to maintain soil fertility and reduce pests. Learn more.

The transfer of pollen between flowers of different plants, promoting genetic diversity and hybrid vigor. Learn more.

The mating of plants from different varieties or species to combine desirable traits. Learn more.

The region where the stem and root systems meet, often near the soil surface. Learn more.

The region where a plant’s stem meets the roots, often at soil level. Learn more.

A bacterial disease that produces tumor-like swellings on roots and stems. Learn more.

Fungal or bacterial decay of the crown area at the base of the plant, often leading to wilting and death. Learn more.

A small beetle that damages cucurbits by feeding on leaves and transmitting bacterial wilt. Learn more.

A foliar disease of cucumbers and melons caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, producing yellow spots and mold. Learn more.

A cultivated variety selected for distinct, heritable traits maintained by propagation. Learn more.

a plant variety that has been produced through cultivation by selective breeding. Learn more.

plants or soil maintained or prepared by humans for growing crops or ornamentals. Learn more.

Pest management via horticultural practices such as crop rotation or sanitation. Learn more.

A viral disease transmitted by leafhoppers that causes leaf curling and stunted growth. Learn more.

A waxy protective film covering the epidermis of leaves and stems. Learn more.

A piece of plant material used to reproduce a new plant vegetatively. Learn more.

Nocturnal caterpillars that sever seedlings at soil level during feeding. Learn more.

larvae of certain noctuid moths that cut down young seedlings near soil level. Learn more.

An inflorescence where the central flower opens first, followed by side flowers. Learn more.

A fungal disease of woody plants leading to sunken cankers and branch dieback. Learn more.