Gardening and Horticulture Vocabulary in English

Arborist: A professional who studies, manages, and cultivates trees, shrubs, and other perennial woody plants.
The arborist recommended pruning the oak tree to help it grow healthier.

Botany: The scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance.
She decided to study botany to better understand the native plants in her region.

Compost: Organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment.
We added compost to the garden to improve soil fertility.

Cultivar: A plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding.
The new cultivar of roses is resistant to certain pests and diseases.

Fertilizer: A chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility.
Tomatoes generally need a higher nitrogen fertilizer to help them grow vigorously.

Germination: The process by which a plant grows from a seed.
Germination usually occurs in the spring when the soil is warm enough for the seeds to grow.

Grafting: A horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined so as to continue their growth together.
Grafting the apple varieties allowed them to produce more consistently sized fruits.

Herbaceous: Refers to plants that have non-woody stems, typically dying back at the end of the growing season.
The garden is filled with herbaceous plants that bloom beautifully in summer but disappear in winter.

Hydroponics: A method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent.
Hydroponics is an effective way to grow vegetables indoors year-round.

Landscape: The visible features of an area of land, including physical elements such as landforms, living elements of flora and fauna, human elements like structures, and transitory elements such as lighting and weather conditions.
The landscape architect designed a plan that included both native plants and modern sculptures.

Mulch: Material spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil.
Applying mulch in the garden helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Perennial: A plant that lives for more than two years, often growing back each spring from its root system.
Peonies are one of my favorite perennials because they have such a long life span.

Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water.
Photosynthesis in plants generally involves the green pigment chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a byproduct.

Pruning: Trimming a tree, shrub, or bush by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to encourage growth.
Regular pruning keeps the fruit trees productive and healthy.

Soil pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil, which is a factor affecting plant growth and nutrient availability.
Most vegetables grow best in soil with a pH that is slightly acidic to neutral.

Transplanting: The process of moving a plant from one location to another.
Transplanting the young saplings at the start of the rainy season ensures they get adequate water.

Variegation: The appearance of differently colored zones in the leaves, and sometimes the stems, of plants.
The variegation in the leaves of that hosta makes it a stunning addition to any shade garden.

Weeding: The action of removing weeds from the ground.
Weeding regularly helps the vegetables get more nutrients and water from the soil.

Xeriscaping: A style of landscape design requiring little or no irrigation or other maintenance, used in arid regions.
Xeriscaping is popular in desert areas because it conserves water while maintaining a beautiful landscape.

Zone (plant hardiness): Defined areas or zones where specific types of plants are capable of growing, as defined by climatic conditions, including their ability to withstand the minimum temperatures of the zone.
Knowing your plant hardiness zone can help you choose plants that will thrive in your climate.

Understanding and using the correct gardening and horticulture vocabulary can greatly enhance your ability to communicate about and engage in gardening activities effectively. Whether discussing techniques with fellow gardeners or planning your next botanical project, these terms provide the foundation for a solid understanding of the subject.

Language Learning Made Fast and Easy with AI

Talkpal is AI-powered language teacher. master 57+ languages efficiently 5x faster with revolutionary technology.