A term used to describe a compost pile that is not properly aerated.  When oxygen is not available for the microbes decomposing the material in the compost pile, a different type of microbe will be feeding of the material that may cause the decomposition process to slow and the pile may smell foul.

Bolting refers to when weather gets hot, lettuce will bolt.  This means that it sprouts a flower and will go to seed.  When lettuce bolts, the leaves will become bitter.  If you live in hot climate, look for lettuce varieties that are heat resistant.  Lettuce is a cold weather crop.

Use of the binomial nomenclature method of naming plants.  Every variety of plant has one scientific Latin name to identify it.  They may be difficult to pronounce, however there is no question as to which plant you are referring to as a common name may be used for several varieties of one plant.

Sowing seeds by scattering them.

A slower method of composting with little to no interaction with the compost pile once it is created.

Refers to a "miniature" greenhouse. When moving plants from indoors to outdoors, the need the opportunity to become accustomed to the outdoor temperatures with a period to harden off.

The name used to identify a plant.  The common name may not be accurate as it can often refer to several varieties of one plant.  More accurate is the botanical name.

The process of decomposing organic matter and using it as organic fertilizer and soil amendments.

A structure to hold the compost pile.

A screen to seperate finished compost from larger material.

Liquid fertilizer created from water and compost.

A plant that has been cultivated and given a unique name due to its desirable characteristics.

Fungus related condition of seedlings attacking the base of the stem, causing the seedling to collapse.

Sheds its leaves in the winter and the plant goes dormant.

Determinate plants grow only to a specific height.  Check your seed packet or seed supplier to find out how tall your plant will grow.

Fertilizing while the plants are still growing.  Generally referring to minerals or organic matter such a finished compost and placing it on top of the soil around the plant as a side dressing.

Generally referring to berries, an everbearing variety will product a smaller harvest year round.

Holds its leaves through the winter.

A hybrid is a cross of two varieties of plants.  F1 depicts that it is a first generation of the hybrid plant.  Often an F1 Hybrid will not produce seed viable for planting or the plant produced by its seeds will have very low yields, so you may need to continue purchasing seeds should you wish to replant the same hybrid.  Hybrids are bred for disease resistance, heat or cold resistance or higher yield.  Check with your seed supplier as to the advantages of that particular hybrid.

The glazing refers to windows.  On a greenhouse, the glazing can be made of one of several different materials.

A greenhouse is an enclosed structure designed for growing plants.  The greenhouse allows you to regulate temperature and humidity creating ideal growing conditions for plants.

When moving plants from indoors to outdoors, the plants need the opportunity to become accustomed to the outdoor temperatures and elements. Prior to transplanting into your outdoor garden, give the plants a chance to experience the outdoors.

Hot beds are used for starting seedlings.  A hot bed will have a heat source to start plants before the last frost.  It is like a "miniature" greenhouse.

A more proactive approach to composting, producing finished compost faster.  Hot composting involves mixing, aerating and lightly watering the compost pile as well as layering different types of materials.

Decomposed organic matter.  Humus can also refer to finished compost, which is dark and crumbly.

The process of growing plants with water and nutrient solutions and without soil is called hydroponics.   Hydroponics is more involved than growing with soil as there is more maintenance involved and the plants are typically grown in a greenhouse or under artificial light.

Referring to plants that grow vines, indeterminate plants typically require training over a trellis or enough space to allow them to grow.  These vines will usually grow until the plant reaches the end of its productive life.

Holds its leaves through the winter.

When referring to gardening, the process of not using synthetic chemicals in the growing process.

Overwintering is a term used to get plants through the freezing temperatures of winter.  Oftentimes, plants are potted, and brought in to either a greenhouse or indoors.

Pinching off the growing tips of a main stalk or vine to encourage more "bushy" growth or branching.

A plant the produces seeds that distribute and germinate without human assistance.

Soaking or nicking seeds prior to sowing.

A plant the produces seeds that distribute and germinate without human assistance.

To plant seeds.

Simulating a seeds winter dormancy period prior to sowing.

Sowing seeds at determined intervals.  Generally refers to food crops to extend the harvest of that crop.

Refers to a plant with one long main root.

The zone map provided by the USDA of your regions average minimum temperatures. Seed packets and catalogs often indicate which zones the plant is appropriate for regarding the minimum temperature.  There are also other factors involved in whether or not a plant is appropriate for your region, such as heat and precipitation.

Using worms to aid the composting process.

Refers to seeds and generally a percentage rate.  To say a packet contains 90% viable seeds, means that 90 out of 100 seeds in the packet should germinate.

Highly fertile material excreted from worms.