Knowledge base
Gardening Glossary
Plain-English definitions of farming and gardening terms for beginners.
Term
NPK
NPK means nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three major nutrients listed on fertilizer labels.
Term
Compost
Compost is decomposed organic matter used to improve soil structure and fertility.
Term
Mulch
Mulch is a protective layer placed on top of soil.
Term
Transplanting
Transplanting means moving a seedling or plant from one place to another.
Term
Hardening Off
Hardening off gradually prepares indoor or nursery seedlings for outdoor conditions.
Term
Loamy Soil
Loamy soil is a balanced soil texture with sand, silt, clay, and organic matter.
Term
Companion Planting
Companion planting means growing plants together because they may support each other.
Term
Direct Sowing
Direct sowing means planting seeds straight into the final bed or container.
Term
Thinning
Thinning means removing extra seedlings so remaining plants have room.
Term
True Leaves
True leaves are the first leaves that look like the mature plant.
Term
Bolting
Bolting is when a leafy crop quickly flowers and sets seed.
Term
Deadheading
Deadheading means removing spent flowers.