Green Manure – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Horticultural Terms Glossary

What is Green Manure? Green manure refers to the practice of growing specific plants and crops with the intention of incorporating them into the soil to improve its fertility and structure. This process involves planting cover crops that are later tilled or mulched into the soil before they reach maturity. Green manure is a sustainable … Read more

Variegation – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Horticultural Terms Glossary

What is Variegation? Variegation refers to the presence of different colors or shades in the leaves or other parts of a plant. This phenomenon is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green color in plants. Variegated plants can have patches, stripes, or speckles of white, … Read more

Heeling In – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Horticultural Terms Glossary

I. What is ‘Heeling In’? ‘Heeling In’ is a gardening technique used to temporarily plant bare-root plants or shrubs in a nursery bed or temporary location until they can be permanently planted in their desired location. This method is commonly used when the ground is too frozen or waterlogged to plant directly into the soil, … Read more

Foliar Feeding – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Horticultural Terms Glossary

What is Foliar Feeding? Foliar feeding is a method of fertilizing plants by applying liquid nutrients directly to the leaves. This technique allows plants to absorb essential nutrients through their foliage, bypassing the roots. Foliar feeding is a quick and efficient way to provide plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. How does Foliar … Read more

Cultivar – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Horticultural Terms Glossary

What is a cultivar? A cultivar is a cultivated variety of a plant that has been selected and bred by humans for specific desirable traits. These traits can include characteristics such as color, size, taste, disease resistance, and overall performance. Cultivars are often developed through selective breeding or hybridization to create plants that exhibit unique … Read more

Ground Cover – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Horticultural Terms Glossary

What is Ground Cover? Ground cover refers to low-growing plants that spread across the ground, providing a dense carpet-like covering. These plants are typically used in landscaping to fill in bare areas, suppress weeds, and add visual interest to a garden or outdoor space. Ground cover plants can be a variety of species, including grasses, … Read more

Defoliation – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Horticultural Terms Glossary

What is defoliation? Defoliation is the process of removing leaves from a plant, either partially or completely. This can be done manually by hand or with the use of tools such as scissors or shears. Defoliation can also occur naturally due to environmental factors such as wind, pests, or diseases. Why is defoliation performed in … Read more

Organic Gardening – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Horticultural Terms Glossary

What is Organic Gardening? Organic gardening is a method of growing plants without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides. Instead, organic gardeners rely on natural methods to nourish and protect their plants, such as composting, crop rotation, and companion planting. The goal of organic gardening is to create a healthy and sustainable ecosystem in … Read more

Permaculture – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Horticultural Terms Glossary

What is Permaculture? Permaculture is a design system that aims to create sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems by mimicking natural patterns and processes. The term “permaculture” was coined by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s and is a combination of the words “permanent” and “agriculture.” Permaculture principles can be applied to various aspects of … Read more