You are here: Home

Grow Your Own


All | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | Other


All

There are 160 entries in the glossary.
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 »

TermDefinition
MulchA layer of matter laid on the soil around a plant, usually to aid moisture retention and inhibit weeds, but sometimes purely decorative. A wide variety of mulch materials are available from bark chippings to glass beads
 
Mustard, BlackBlack Mustard (Brassica nigra, brassicaceae)
A hardy annual, the seed of black mustard is used in the production of English (not Dijon or wholegrain) mustard
 
Mustard, WhiteWhite Mustard (Sinapis alba, brassicaceae)
A hardy annual, the seed of white mustard is used in the production of Dijon or wholegrain (not English) mustard
 
Mycorrhizal FungiMost plants rely on soil bacteria and fungi to convert nutrients into a form that can be easily absorbed by the plants roots, the fungi are now available for application when planting to help plants establish quicker. You should buy the appropriate mix for the species you're planting as most are species specific.
 
NematodeMicroscopic animals, also called "roundworms" Some are important decomposers in the soil others are parasites. Some parasitic forms are sold as "natural" pest control
 
No Dig GrowingA technique of growing with minimal labour input. There are many books on the subject but basically it involves the use of mulches and green manures.
 
Open PollinatedA variety that will breed true from saved seed provided you've been careful not to allow natural crossing between plants of the same species. Near enough all "heritage" or "heirloom" varieties are open pollinated.
 
ParsleyParsley (Petroselinum crispum, Umbelliferae)
Usually grown as an annual or biennial, parsley is a perennial herb with many different forms flat and curly leaved, the photo shows a curly leaved form. Widely used in the kitchen and a rich source of vitamins, parsley also has antiseptic qualities.
 
PeatPartially decayed plant matter used as fuel and also the base for most composts, nowadays becoming a scarce resource, it's advisable to use peat free alternatives
 
PerillaPerilla (Perilla frutescens, Labiateae)
Known as Shiso in Japan where it is a widely used herb/vegetable, a native of East Asia it grows wild and is cultivated throughout Asia. Will grow well in the UK but be careful not to let it self seed or it will become a pernicious weed. The seed and leaf are both edible and it is a plant rich in minerals and nutrients, especially ALA (Alpha Linoleic Acid) an important Omega 3 fat.
 
PermacultureOriginally 'Permanent Agriculture', a set of gardening techniques usually associated with planting of perennials for fuel and food, but is nowadays seen as a whole design and lifestyle philosophy.

Click on the link below for more information:

What is Permaculture?
 
pHAll soils vary naturally in their acidity, this affects the crops that you can grow, although most fruit and veg will tolerate a wide variety of soil types there are certain plants that require or prefer either acid or alkaline conditions. If you'd like to know what pH (acidity level) your soil is you can test it using a kit which should be available at your local nursery
 
PhosphatePhosphate used as a fertiliser encourages strong root growth see Bonemeal and Rock Phosphate
 
PhytoseiuliusA predatory mite that feeds on red spider mite, available commercially as a control.
 
Pinching OutThis is the removal of the growing point, can be done to a wide variety of plants, to promote bushier growth or to stop growth once a plant has reached a certain height
 
Poly TunnelA cheap alternative to a greenhouse, many shapes and sizes available, but basically a metal structure to which transparent plastic sheeting is attached. Very useful for extending the season, or the range of plants you can grow
 
Porous Pipesee Leaky Pipe
 
PotashPotash is the term used for any fertiliser that is rich in Potassium (K). Traditionally wood ash was the major source of potash for agriculture
 
PotatoPotato (Solanum tuberosum, solanceae An import from South America and now a major worldwide food crop, potatos are the tubers of the potato plant. Potato plants sometimes produce fruits, these are poisonous when eaten as are any green parts of the plant as well as green potatos.
 
Powdery MildewThe common name for a disorder caused by various species of fungi, affects a wide variety of plants. Each species affects only specific types of plant, but some plants are susceptible to more than one type of mildew. Usually most severe at the end of the growing season, they like dry soil so warm days and cool nights are ideal
 
Pricking outThe first move for seedlings from the pot or tray you germinated them in, to better spacing in trays or individual pots, so that they can grow freely.
 
QuinceQuince (Cydonia oblonga, Rosaceae)
One of the oldest cultivated fruits this beautiful tree has lovely pink flowers, golden autumn leaves and can grow twisted branches as it ages. The large and extremely aromatic yellow fruits do not ripen in the UK but can be cooked for use in pies, preserves and syrups. Do not store quince with other fruits, their powerful aroma will taint apples and pears quite easily.
 
RCWherever you see the letters RC on this site they'll probably be referring to River Cottage which is basically a catch all for anything to do with HFW (Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall) a scruffy ginger bloke who some people here seem to love he also played his part in getting the founders of this site together through the River Cottage Forum
 
RHSThe Royal Horticultural Society, the UK's (and probably the worlds) biggest and best gardening association. Conducts research and trials in a lot of areas, the results are available in the society's magazine "The Garden" or for the professional "The Plantsman" the website www.rhs.org.uk is also a useful resource. Also the organisers of the Chelsea and Hampton Park flower shows (amongst others) and have gardens up and down the country
 
Rock PhosphateThe mineral equivalent of Bonemeal
 


All | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | Other


Glossary V1.5