104 Eastern Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-281-4480 (p)
978-282-0619 (f)
60 Turnpike Road
Ipswich, MA 01938
978-356-6342 (p)
978-356-4476 (f)
www.wolfhillgardencenter.com
Helpful Gardening Definitions!
Acidic Soil - Soil types can be defined by their pH level. Soil with a pH reading below 7.0 on the pH
scale of 1-14 indicates acidity. Therefore, the lower the reading, the more acid the soil will be.
(A soil pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline.) Areas that receive high amounts of rainfall tend to be more
acidic, and are often a sandy soil. A Soil test can be done to determine if a soil is acidic.
Alkaline Soil - Soil types can be defined by their pH level. Soil with a pH reading higher than 7.0 on the
pH scale of 1-14 indicates alkalinity. Therefore , the higher the reading, the more alkaline the soil will
be. (A soil pH lower than 7.0 is acidic.) Areas with little rainfall; very dry gardens, tend to be more
alkaline. Alkaline soil is commonly found next to buildings, driveways, and old foundations where lime
can be washed into soil from the concrete. A Soil test can be done to determine if a soil is alkaline.
Annual - A plant that completes it's life cycle all in one growing season. The seed will germinate,
grow, bloom, go to seed, then die all in 1 year or less.
Biennial - A plant that completes it's life cycle in two years; (two growing seasons); or less. Planted
seeds in Spring will grow to seedlings in the summer of the first year, then the plant will bloom in the
next Spring, go to seed, then die.
Compost - Humus enriched organic material produced from the decomposition of leaves, grass
clippings, dead plant matter, and other sources of organic materials such as fruit and vegetable
peelings. Provides an excellent soil improver, and natural fertilizer.
Dampening of - A fungal disease that seedlings can get that causes them to rot and die.
Deadhead - The removal of dead and faded flowers.
Deciduous - A plant that will lose its leaves once in a year. Normally in the fall season.
Drainage - The passing of water down through the soil, and plant's roots. Good drainage is
necessary to grow healthy plants. When water drains quickly through the plants root area, not leaving
the roots overly moist for long periods of time; the drainage is considered good. It allows a balance of
air and moisture for the roots to grow healthy.
Frost heaving - Plants become pushed out of the soil due to changing temperatures back and forth
from freezing and thawing. Often in spring plants become heaved out of the ground. Gently push
plants back into place.
Harden off - To expose a plant to the outdoors gradually over a couple of weeks before transplanting
into the outside gardens.
Hardiness or (Hardy) - Plants are rated how hardy they are depending on how well they survive
through the winters without any protection.
Hardiness zones - Gardeners often use this to determine if a plant will grow well in an area.
Geographical regions are divided into Hardiness Zones based on the average cold temperatures for
an area.
Interplanting - Arranging and planting plants in the garden that have different blooming times, and
habits of growth. This allows extended blooming times, and possibly less disease.
Loam - Soil that is rich with organic material, loose, and good drainage, but moist. It is known as
the ideal soil for growing plants.
Microclimate - Localized areas; in a garden or yard, that has different climate conditions from the
area around it, allowing plants to survive in your garden that would not usually grow well.
Mulch - A protective covering of material placed on the soil. It is a good way to help keep weeds
from growing in your garden. Mulch also can help keep moisture in the soil, keep plant roots warm
in the spring and fall, or cool in the summer. Mulch is made from organic or inorganic material.
Such as, ground bark, sawdust, leaves, or straw.
Overwinter - To help a plant live through the winter season allowing it to live on into another
growing season.
Perennial - A plant that will germinate, grow, bloom, and die down for the winter, but grows in
spring again. Year after year. Annuals and perennials can be grouped into many different specific
plant needs, growing conditions or characteristics. For example, Annuals such Marigolds,
Sunflowers, and Zinnias all grow well in a garden that gets full sun. These would be known as
Annuals for a sunny garden. This helps gardeners to choose the right plant for their gardens.
pH - Soil has a pH value which measures acidity and alkalinity on a scale from 1 - 14; 7 being
neutral. The lower the number the more acidic the soil is. The higher the number the more
alkaline the soil will be. pH Scale: (acidic) 1-14 (alkaline), 7 being neutral.
Rootbound - A containerized plant's roots that have completely filled the soil inside container. Thus
causing a unhealthy plant due to no room for new growth. Frequent repotting of plants in containers
will help to prevent rootbound plants.
Sucker - Any vertical shoot growing from the base or trunk of a tree.
Thinning out - The removal of excess seedlings; so those plants that remain have room to grow
healthy and strong. Also, to remove whole branches from trees, shrubs, or plants to promote
healthier growth, and maintain size.
Topdress - To apply a layer on the top of the soil. A fertilizer, or organic material are commonly
placed on top of the soil, but not worked into the soil.
Underplanting - When you plant a plant beneath another; usually a taller plant.