Food Gardening Glossary
A glossary of food gardening terminology can be incredibly helpful for new gardeners as they start to explore more advanced skills and the latest science around growing food. You will have the added challenge of figuring out which methods are compatible with and will enhance our method of Transformational Gardening and which methods of traditional gardening and farming are not appropriate.
Why a glossary can help you learn more
A glossary of food gardening terminology is a useful resource for new gardeners looking to learn more about the science and technical language of food gardening. It can help clarify confusing terms, introduce new concepts, understand scientific jargon, access credible sources, and enhance problem-solving skills.
Clarify confusion: Gardening terminology can be confusing, especially for beginners who may not be familiar with the technical language used in the field. A glossary can help clarify the meaning of unfamiliar terms and prevent confusion.
Learn new concepts: A glossary can introduce new concepts that new gardeners may not have encountered before. This can help expand their knowledge and understanding of food gardening and provide a foundation for more advanced learning.
Understand scientific jargon: Science plays a significant role in food gardening, and many technical terms and jargon are used in scientific discussions. A glossary can help gardeners understand these terms and communicate more effectively with experts and other gardeners.
Access credible sources: A glossary can help gardeners access credible sources of information and research by providing definitions of scientific and technical terms that are commonly used in gardening literature and research.
Enhance problem-solving skills: When troubleshooting problems in the garden, it can be helpful to have a solid understanding of gardening terminology. A glossary can help gardeners identify the cause of problems and find effective solutions.
Glossary of Food Gardening
Acidic: A soil, compost, or liquid with a pH between 0 and 7.0 (on a scale of 0.0-14.0). Often referred to as “sour” soil by gardeners.
Aeration: Any method of loosening soil or compost to allow air to circulate.
Aerobic: Describes organisms living or occurring only when oxygen is present.
Alkaline: A soil with a pH between 7.0 and 14 (on a scale of 0.0-14.0). Often referred to as “sweet” soil by gardeners.
Amendment: (See “Soil Amendment”)
Anaerobic: Describes organisms living or occurring where there is no oxygen.
Annual: A plant that blooms, produces seed, and dies in one year.
Aquaponics: A type of farming that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water).
Biochar: Burning biomass in low-oxygen conditions creates biochar, a carbon-rich substance that some experts tout as the key to soil rejuvenation. Relatively light-weight and porous, biochar can act like a sponge and serve as a habitat for many beneficial soil microorganisms that are known to promote soil and plant health.
Biodynamic farming: Biodynamic farming is a method of farming that seeks to create a self-sustaining ecosystem by working with natural rhythms and cycles. Biodynamic farming uses methods such as crop rotation, composting, and the use of natural preparations to create healthy and productive ecosystems.
Beneficial insects: Beneficial insects help to control pest populations in the garden. Examples of beneficial insects include ladybugs, lacewings, and praying. The insect benefits your garden by eating or laying its eggs in other insects, thereby controlling their population.
Biennial: A plant that completes its full life-cycle in two growing seasons. It produces leaves in the first and flowers in the second.
Biodegradable: Able to decompose or break down through natural bacterial or fungal action. Substances made of organic matter are biodegradable.
Biodiversity: Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
Biodiverse Garden: A biodiverse garden has a wide variety of plants (natives, flowers, perennials) ornamentals, food crops), birds, insects and other living species. Many gardeners struggle with low yields, poor soil or pollination and pest insect damage. However, increasing the biodiversity of plants and wildlife has been found to help these issues.
Biological Pest Control: (Also called ”Environmental Pest Management”) Using living organisms such as beneficial insects or parasites to destroy garden pests.
Bolt: A term used to describe a plant that has gone to seed prematurely.
Bone Meal: Finely ground fertilizer composed of white or light gray bone that adds phosphorus to the soil.
Calcitic Limestone: A common material used for “liming” soil that has an acid level that is too high. This type is most commonly used and contains calcium carbonate.
Companion planting: Companion planting is the practice of planting different plants together in a way that benefits both plants. For example, planting beans and corn together can benefit both plants by providing support for the beans and shade for the corn.
Composting: Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials such as food waste, leaves, and grass clippings into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to fertilize plants. Composting is an essential part of organic gardening and is a way to reduce waste and build healthy soil.
Cover crop:- A cover crop is a crop that is grown primarily to improve soil health rather than for harvest. Cover crops are often used to prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, and suppress weeds.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation is the practice of planting different crops in the same area over time to improve soil health and reduce pest and disease problems. By rotating crops, you can help prevent the buildup of pests and diseases that can damage plants.
Chlorosis: A yellowing or blanching of the leaves due to lack of chlorophyll, nutrient deficiencies or disease.
Cold Frame: An unheated structure usually made of wood and covered with glass or plastic. Cold frames are used to protect plants from frost and are helpful season extenders.
Companion Planting: The sowing of seeds in the garden in such a way that plants help each other grow instead of competing against each other.
Compost: Completely decayed organic matter used for conditioning soil. It is dark, odorless and rich in nutrients. There are many different uses and kinds of compost. (also see “microbe-rich compost”)
Composted Manure: Manure mixed with straws from livestock stalls that has decomposed for several months. It best use is for feeding worms to make “worm castings” also called “vermicompost.”
Cover Crop: Vegetation grown to protect and build the soil during an interval when the area would otherwise lie fallow.
Crop Rotation: The planting of a specific crop in a site different from the previous year.
Cultivar: A plant variety that has been developed through selective breeding. It’s a cultivated plant that was selected for desired traits and when propagated retain those traits. Methods used to propagate cultivars include: division, root and stem cuttings, offsets, grafting, tissue culture, or carefully controlled seed production.
Cutting: A vegetative method of plant propagation whereby a piece of plant leaf, stem, root or bud is cut from a parent plant. It is then inserted into a growing medium to form roots, thus developing a new plant.
Damping Off: Decay of young seedlings at ground level following fungal attack. Often the result of soil borne diseases and over watering.
Dead Heading: The act of removing spent flowers or flowerheads for aesthetics, to prolong bloom for up to several weeks or promote re-bloom, or to prevent seeding.
Deep Shade: A plant requiring less than 2 hours of dappled sun a day.
Desiccate: Cause to dry up. Insecticidal soap desiccates its victims.
Detritusphere: a soil surface layer of decaying organic matter. A:sp called “mulch.”
Double Digging: Is a very labor intensive method of preparing garden soil by digging a trench then putting the soil from one row into the next row. This usually includes adding compost to the soil to enrich it.
Environmental Pest Management (EPM): for organic food gardening is responsible environmental stewardship. Although EPM is modeled after the older Integrated Pest Management (IPM) it doesn’t allow use of toxic chemicals that are banned under the USDA organic standards. Only use the organic safe sprays Deep Roots recommends in our EPM blog post.
Drip irrigation: A watering system that slowly delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a network of hoses and emitters.
Exudate: a slimy film released by a plant’s root hairs attracting bacteria
Floating Row Cover: (also called “Row Cover”) A row cover is a lightweight fabric that is used to protect plants from insects, birds, and harsh weather conditions. It is usually made of spun-bonded polypropylene, which allows air and moisture to pass through while providing a barrier against pests and other threats. Row covers can also help to extend the growing season by keeping plants warm during cool weather.
Fertilizer: An organic or synthetic material added to the soil or the plant roots that adds nutrients and improves plant growth and yield. Organic fertilizers are safe for organic growing. Synthetic fertilizers are used in industrial agriculture and are not safe for human health.
Foliar Fertilizing: A technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to plant leaves.
Frost Date: This is the average expected last frost date for your area. Frost dates are important to know for your gardening zone or planting area.
Fruit tree: A tree that produces edible fruit, such as apples, oranges, or peaches.
Fungi participate in decomposition of organic matter and deliver nutrients for plant growth. Their role is very important in plant protection against pathogenic microorganisms as biological agents, which influences soil health
Fungicides: Compounds used to prevent the spread of fungi in gardens and crops, which can cause serious damage to plants.
Germinate: The beginning of growth in seeds, the action of sprouting, budding or shooting, above the soil. This occurs whenever a plant or seed begins to vegetate into leafy young plants. The breaking of dormancy in seeds or the sprouting of pollen grains deposited on a stigma.
Greenhouse: A structure used for growing plants, usually made of glass or plastic.
Growing season: The period of time during which plants can grow outdoors.
Green Manure: (Sometimes called a “cover crop”) A crop that is grown and then incorporated into the soil to increase soil fertility or organic matter content. Usually turned over into the soil a few weeks before new planting begins. Regenerative farmers and gardeners don’t dig it into the soil and let list stay on top,
Hardening Off: The process of gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them. It takes little time to gradually get the seedlings used to the sun, cooler temperatures and wind outdoors. Put them outside during the day and bring them inside at night.
Heavy Soil: A soil that contains a high proportion of clay and is poorly drained. Very bad soil for food gardening
Humus: A fairly stable, complex group of nutrient-storing molecules created by microbes and other forces of decomposition by the conversion of organic matter. Typically its dark loamy earth.
Heirloom: A plant variety that has been passed down through generations of gardeners and is considered to have historical or cultural significance.
Herb: A plant grown for its culinary, medicinal, or aromatic qualities.
Hybrid: A plant variety developed through crossbreeding two different parent plants. Seed saving hybrid seeds is tricky. It’s best to buy them.
Hydroponics: A method of growing plants in water rather than soil.
Hyphae: threadlike structures that form mycelia
Insecticide: A substance used to kill or repel insects.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A pest control strategy that uses an array of complementary methods: natural predators and parasites, pest-resistant varieties, cultural practices, biological controls, various physical techniques, and pesticides as a last resort. It is an ecological approach that can significantly reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides.
Intercropping: The practice of growing two or more crops together in the same space to maximize productivity and reduce pest and disease problems.
Irrigation: The process of supplying water to plants.
Landscape fabric: A permeable material used to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture with various uses in a garden,
Leaf mold: Composted leaves that can be used as a soil amendment or mulch. Deep Roots Project sells it in their online store under the term ”Dense Leaf Mulch.” It is not recommended as a mulch for food gardens,
Mulch: Mulch is a layer of organic material such as leaves, straw, or wood chips that is spread over the soil around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deep Roots uses compost and straw to mulch food gardens. Certain kinds of mulch can also improve soil health by providing nutrients as it breaks down. Fresh wood chip mulch as it decomposes sucks the nitrogen from the soil that plants need.
Microbe-Rich Compost: is a special compost sold by Deep Roots Project that is made from 100% organic matter (plant waste and animal manure). It is weed-free and pathogen-free. It is made with a naturally generated high heat process that boosts heat-loving microbe populations that make more nutrients available to microbes, fungi and plants. Microbe-Rich Compost is certified for food production by Organic Materials Research Institute (OMRI) and by the U.S. Composting Council.
Micro-Nutrients: Some mineral elements are needed by plants in very small quantities. If the plants you are growing require specific “trace elements” and they are not getting them through the soil, they must be added.
Microorganism: An organism that can be seen only through a microscope. The major groups of microorganisms are bacteria, archaea, fungi (yeasts and molds), algae, protozoa, and viruses. Although viruses are not considered living organisms, they are sometimes classified as microorganisms. Soil microbes significantly affect soil and crop health. Some of their activities are, nitrogen-fixation, phosphorus solubilization, suppression of pests and pathogens, improvement of plant stress, and decomposition that leads to soil aggregation.
Mulch: Any organic material, such as wood chips, grass clippings, compost, straw, or leaves that is spread over the soil surface (around plants) to hold in moisture and help control weeds.
Mycelia: thread-like vegetative bodies of fungi
Mycorrhiza: a symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots. The role of the fungus in the plant's rhizosphere (root system) includes plant nutrition, soil biology, and soil chemistry.
Nitrogen fixation: The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants.
No Till, No Dig, No Pull Gardening: This type of gardening calls for no cultivation (or tilling) of the soil after the initial tilling. In its place, regular mulches are added and plants are planted through the mulch. This saves on labor and eliminates weeds, which might germinate as a result of tilling.
N-P-K: An abbreviation for the three main nutrients that have been identified as absolutely necessary for plants are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These three are also known as “macronutrients,” and are the source of the three numbers commonly found on fertilizer labels.
Organic farming: Organic farming is a method of farming that relies on natural and sustainable practices to grow crops and raise livestock. Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Organic gardening: is a method of growing plants and crops using natural and sustainable practices that do not rely on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals. This type of gardening is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the negative impacts of chemical-based farming on the environment and human health. Here is a glossary of terms that will help you navigate the world of organic gardening.
Organic matter: Decaying plant or animal material that can be added to soil to improve its fertility. Also called “Soil Organic Matter” (SOM).
Perennial: A plant that lives for more than two growing seasons.
Permaculture: Permaculture is a design system that aims to create sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems that are modeled on natural systems. Permaculture gardens incorporate principles such as diversity, polyculture, and the use of natural materials to create healthy, thriving ecosystems.
Plant spacing: The distance between individual plants in a garden bed.
Pollination: The transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, resulting in fertilization and the production of fruit or seeds.
Polyculture: Polyculture is the practice of growing multiple crops in the same area at the same time. Polyculture gardens can be more resilient to pest and disease problems and can also help improve soil health by reducing soil erosion and increasing biodiversity.
Potting soil: A soil mix designed for use in containers.
pH: (See also “Soil pH”) A scale from 0-14 that explains the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the water or soil. Soil pH is very important because it affects the availability of nutrients to plants and the activity of microorganisms in the soil.
Raised bed: A garden bed that is elevated above the surrounding
Regenerative Agriculture: is a holistic approach to farming that aims to rebuild soil health and fertility, enhance biodiversity, and improve the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem. Conventional crops grown in tilled soil and sprayed with chemicals for decades, produces food with health risks and likely decreasing nutritional benefits. When farmers improve soil health and use organic pest methods, the food harvested is better for both the environment and the consumer. Plus, a regenerative farm is more profitable since far less money is spent on chemical pesticides and conventional fertilizers,
Regenerative Gardening: Regenerative Gardening nourishes the soil naturally with compost, worm castings, microbes and nutrients rather than depleting the soil and compensating with application of chemical fertilizers, many of which can damage plants and the soil's microscopic life.
Rhizome: A fleshy underground stem or runner. Creeping grasses spread by rhizomes.
Rhizosphere: a biologically zone defined by a plant’s roots.
Rootstock: Rootstock is the part of a plant that is used as a base for grafting. It is usually a seedling or a young plant that has been selected for its strong root system and disease resistance. When a scion (a cutting from another plant) is grafted onto the rootstock, the resulting plant will have the desirable characteristics of both the scion and the rootstock.
Row cover: (also called “Floating Row Cover”) A row cover is a lightweight fabric that is used to protect plants from insects, birds, and harsh weather conditions. It is usually made of spun-bonded polypropylene, which allows air and moisture to pass through while providing a barrier against pests and other threats. Row covers can also help to extend the growing season by keeping plants warm during cool weather.
Scion: A scion is a cutting from one plant that is grafted onto another plant, known as the rootstock. The scion is selected for its desirable characteristics, such as fruit flavor or disease resistance. When the scion is grafted onto the rootstock, the resulting plant will have the desirable characteristics of both the scion and the rootstock.
Season Extender: Any technique or piece of equipment used to extend the growing season in both spring and fall. Examples include; row covers, greenhouses, hotbeds, cold frames, and products such as Wall O’ Waters.
Seed: A seed is the reproductive part of a plant that contains the embryo and nutrients needed for germination and growth. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil, or started indoors and transplanted later. Some plants, such as beans and peas, can also be sown directly into the soil in the fall for early spring harvest.
Seedling: (Also called a “transplant”) A seedling is a young plant that has been started from seed and is still in the early stages of growth. Seedlings are typically started indoors or in a greenhouse, and then transplanted into the garden when they are strong enough to survive on their own. They require special care, such as regular watering and protection from pests and harsh weather conditions.
Seedsaving: Seedsaving is the practice of collecting and storing seeds from open-pollinated or heirloom plants for future planting. This helps to preserve genetic diversity and can be an important step in sustainable agriculture. Seedsaving can be a fun and rewarding activity for gardeners, and can also help to save money on seed purchases.
Soil: Soil is the mixture of organic and inorganic materials that supports plant growth. It is composed of minerals, organic matter, air, and water. Soil quality can vary widely depending on factors such as texture, pH, nutrient content, and drainage. Improving soil quality is an important part of successful gardening.
Soil Amendment: Material added to the soil to improve its properties. This may include; water retention, permeability, water infiltration, drainage, aeration and structure. Soil amendments are mostly organic matter or very slow release minerals and are typically worked into the topsoil. A soil amendment is any material that is added to soil to improve its quality, structure, or fertility. Examples of soil amendments include compost, manure, and lime.
Soil microbiome: the population of microorganisms in soil
Soil Test: A measurement of the major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) and pH levels in the soil. Deep roots doesn’t include soil testing in its method since we don grow our veggies in conventional soil that need to be changed to be suit for food crops. Instead we fill our beds and containers with 100% microbe-rich compost that plants love.
Soil pH: Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Soil pH can be tested using a litmus paper designed for soil testing OR soil pH meter or by sending a soil sample to a soil testing lab.
SOM - Soil Organic Matter: The organic matter component of soil, consisting of plant and animal detritus at various stages of decomposition
Sustainable agriculture: Sustainable agriculture is a method of farming that seeks to balance environmental health, economic viability, and social equity. Sustainable agriculture practices include crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of natural fertilizers and pesticides.
Thermophilic: heat-loving (organisms). Also, of, relating to, or being an organism living at a high temperature.
Thinning: Thinning is the process of removing some of the seedlings from a planting to allow the remaining plants more space to grow. This is typically done when the seedlings are still small and have only one or two leaves. Thinning can help to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources, which can lead to stunted growth and poor yields.
Trace Minerals: Trace minerals are nutrients that plants need in very small amounts to thrive. They are also called trace nutrients or micronutrients. Some of these trace minerals are very important and provide essential elements for different proteins, hormones, or other processes. Some trace minerals (chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, sodium and zinc) are also essential for animal nutrition.
Transformational Gardening: is a innovative method used by Deep Roots Project to teach how to grow food in organic kitchen gardens with limited space and raised beds. We provide our gardeners with the best products for success – like cedar raised beds, microbe-rich compost and microbe-rich worm castings. We use the latest soil science to build on the strengths of both organic and regenerative gardening.
Transplant: Another term for a seedling - a very young plant.
Trellis: A trellis is a structure that is used to support climbing plants, such as beans, peas, and cucumbers. It can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, bamboo, or metal. A trellis can help to maximize space in the garden, and can also make it easier to harvest crops.
Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting is the process of composting using worms. Worms help to break down organic material more quickly and produce nutrient-rich soil that is ideal for organic gardening.
Tilth: Describes the general health of the soil including a balance of nutrients, water, and air. Soil that is healthy and has good physical qualities is in good tilth.
Topdressing: Applying fertilizers or some kind of soil amendment after seeding, transplanting or once the crop has been established. Also, topdressing is the process of spreading a thin layer (¼-inch thick) of organic material on top of your lawn to amend your soil, especially in bare spots that are newly seeded.
Transplanting: The moving of a plant from one growth medium to another.Vermicompost: earthworm compost
Vermicomposting: The use of red wiggler worms to convert food scraps or other organic materials into worm castings.
Worm Castings: The digested organic waste of red wiggler worms. Gardeners consider them the most nutrient dense organic compost available. Often used instead of commercial organic fertilizes.