Garden glossary
Garden words, translated
Clear definitions you can actually use. Dotted-underlined terms elsewhere in the field guide open definitions without taking you away from the page.
- 01Frost danger
- The chance that temperatures may drop low enough to damage or kill sensitive plants. Warm-season crops are safest after your last likely frost date.
- 02Germination
- The process of a seed waking up and starting to grow.
- 03Seedling
- A young plant that has grown its first true leaves but is not mature yet.
- 04Direct sow
- Planting a seed right in the garden or container where it will keep growing.
- 05Transplant
- Moving a young plant from a pot or seed tray into its final growing spot.
- 06Hardening off
- Helping indoor-grown seedlings adjust to outdoor sun, wind, and temperature a little at a time.
- 07Full sun
- At least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Fruiting crops often appreciate 8 hours.
- 08Partial shade
- About 3 to 6 hours of direct sun, or filtered light during part of the day.
- 09Bolting
- When a plant quickly sends up a flower stalk, often because of heat. Leaves may turn bitter afterward.
- 10Thinning
- Removing extra seedlings so the strongest ones have enough room, light, and water.
- 11Mulch
- A layer of leaves, straw, bark, or similar material placed on soil to hold moisture and reduce weeds.
- 12Compost
- Decomposed plant and food material that adds nutrients and helps soil hold the right amount of moisture.
- 13Drainage
- How easily extra water can move out of soil or a container. Good drainage keeps roots from sitting in water.
- 14Annual
- A plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
- 15Perennial
- A plant that can live for several years and regrow when conditions are right.
- 16Companion planting
- Growing certain plants near each other because they may share space well or support pollinators.
- 17Days to maturity
- An estimate of how many days a plant needs before it is ready to harvest. Weather can speed it up or slow it down.
- 18Last frost date
- The average last spring date when a light freeze may happen in your area.
- 19First frost date
- The average first fall date when a light freeze may happen in your area.