I. What is Cation Exchange Capacity? Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is a measure of the soil’s ability to hold and exchange positively charged ions, known as cations, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. It is an essential property of soil that influences nutrient availability, soil fertility, and overall plant growth. CEC is expressed in … Read more
What is underplanting? Underplanting refers to the practice of planting smaller, low-growing plants beneath larger trees or shrubs in a garden or landscape. These underplanted plants can serve a variety of purposes, such as adding color, texture, and interest to the space, filling in bare spots, and providing ground cover to suppress weeds. Underplanting is … Read more
What is a Substrate in Horticulture? In horticulture, a substrate refers to the material in which plants are grown. It is the medium that provides support, nutrients, and water to the plants’ roots. Substrates can vary in composition and can be made up of a variety of materials such as soil, peat, perlite, vermiculite, sand, … Read more
What is Succession Planting? Succession planting is a gardening technique where crops are planted in a staggered manner to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Instead of planting all of your crops at once, succession planting involves planting small batches of crops at regular intervals. This allows for a steady supply of fresh … Read more
I. What is Drought Tolerance? Drought tolerance refers to the ability of a plant to withstand extended periods of dry conditions without experiencing significant negative effects on growth, development, or survival. In essence, drought-tolerant plants have mechanisms in place that allow them to conserve water, regulate their internal processes, and continue functioning even when water … Read more
What is Photosynthesis? Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. This process is essential for the survival of plants and ultimately all living organisms on Earth, as it is the primary source of organic compounds and … Read more
What is a Root Ball? A root ball is a mass of soil and roots that surrounds the base of a tree or shrub. It is typically formed during the process of digging up a plant from its original location for transplanting. The root ball plays a crucial role in the survival and growth of … Read more
What is a Soil Profile? A soil profile is a vertical section of soil that displays all of its horizons or layers. These layers are formed over time through the weathering of rocks, the decomposition of organic matter, and the activity of soil organisms. Each layer has unique characteristics that influence the physical, chemical, and … Read more
What is Loam? Loam is a type of soil that is a combination of sand, silt, and clay in relatively equal proportions. It is considered to be the ideal soil type for gardening and agriculture due to its balanced composition. Loam soil is known for its ability to retain moisture while still allowing for proper … Read more
What is a Plant Hardiness Zone? A Plant Hardiness Zone is a geographical area defined by a range of climatic conditions that are suitable for specific types of plants to grow successfully. These zones are based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, which helps gardeners and horticulturists determine which plants are most likely to … Read more