Evergreen
A plant, shrub or tree that retains its foliage throughout the year. Back to alphabetical list

Frost Heave
When plants are forced from the ground due to the expansion and contraction of the soil caused by repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Back to alphabetical list

Gall
A swelling of plant tissue caused by insects or fungus. Back to alphabetical list

Harden Off
To gradually acclimate seedlings to the outdoors by leaving them outside for an increasing amount of time each day. Back to alphabetical list

Hardiness
A measure of the ability of a plant to withstand the local climate. Back to alphabetical list

Hardpan
A layer of earth so compacted that roots cannot penetrate it. Back to alphabetical list

Hedge
A border made up of densely planted trees or shrubs. Back to alphabetical list

Herbicide
A natural or synthetic compound for killing unwanted plants. May be applied to foliage are as a preemergent to stop weed seeds from sprouting. Back to alphabetical list

Insecticide
A natural or synthetic compound for killing insects. Back to alphabetical list

Landscape Fabric
A loosely woven synthetic fabric placed over the soil, but under the mulch. Back to alphabetical list

Lime
Used to raise the pH level of lawns to 6.5-7.0, the best level for most lawn grasses. Back to alphabetical list

Loam
Soil characterized by its friable blend of clay, silt, and sand. Back to alphabetical list

Mowing Strip
Garden edging, often brick, that allows you to operate the mower right up to the edge of the lawn. Back to alphabetical list

Mulch
Organic or synthetic material placed over garden soil to help retain moisture, control weeds, and, in the case of organic mulches, enrich the soil. Back to alphabetical list

Organic Fertilizer
Commonly, natural fertilizers such as fish emulsion, compost, manure, or dried seaweed. Often lower in nutrients than synthetic fertilizers, but last longer in the soil. Back to alphabetical list

Perennial
A plant that lives for many years, usually with new herbaceous growth each growing season. Back to alphabetical list

Pinch
To remove the growing tip of a seedling to encourage bushier growth. Back to alphabetical list

Plug
A method of starting a lawn in which small pieces of turf, about 2 inches in diameter, are planted 6 to 12 inches apart, eventually spreading to fill in the area. Back to alphabetical list

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