Essential Landscape Lingo: Gardeners
If you’re undertaking a landscape project of any sort, you’re likely to encounter a lot of industry-specific terminologies. Keep this reference guide handy as you navigate through the world of outdoor improvements.
For more, see our guides to Talking like a Designer, Talking like a Contractor, and Talking like a Gardener.
Talking like a Gardener
Gardeners, landscapers, and maintenance personnel helping to keep your outdoor spaces in tip-top shape will appreciate your knowing some common landscape care practices.
aerate - loosening or puncturing the soil to increase water and oxygen penetration
complete fertilizer - plant food with three primary elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
compost - product created from decomposed garden material and used to add nutrients to soils
deadheading - pinching or snipping off old blooms to promote continued bloom
dieback - the death of tips of shoots caused by damage or disease
erosion - wearing or washing away of soil
fertilizer - material rich in nutrients (usually nitrogen, phosphates and potash) added to feed plants
inorganic fertilizer - synthetic compounds or minerals; potent though can be a pollutant
organic fertilizer - made from decomposed plant and animal products
fungicide - chemicals used to control fungus-related diseases
herbicide - chemicals used to control weeds
mulch - a material used to cover soil for moisture conservation and weed suppression
pesticide - chemicals used to control unwanted organisms
potting soil - a mixture designed for container gardens and potted plants; loose, light, and sterile
pruning - cutting back plants to remove dead or injured wood and direct new growth
topsoil - the top layer of native soil, which may also be good quality soil sold at garden centers
transplant - moving a plant from one location to another