Aerial root – A root that grows out from the stem and extracts moisture from the air as differentiated from those that grow in water or soil. Ivies and other vining plants typically have aerial roots, in addition to those roots growing in Living Stones.

Honeydew – A sticky amber substance created by some insects such as scale or aphids—as they feed on plant surfaces. Often it turns a moldy black and impedes transpiration.

Organic – In popular usage, all products of natural origin are organic. In fertilizers: manure, fish, and sludge, are organic; chemical plant foods derived from the air or from minerals and synthetically produced are called inorganic. Proponents of organics point out that soils become less “friable” when inorganics are used. Users of inorganic plant foods […]

Herbicides are chemical substances used to kill plants. They may be non-selective and kill all vegetation to which they are applied or sterilize the soil. Others which destroy one type of plant without appreciably affecting another are called selective herbicides. Weed-and Feed lawn fertilizers are examples of fertilizers with selective herbicides incorporated. They destroy broadleaved […]

NPK – The symbols for the big three nutrients needed by plants. N is for nitrogen P is for phosphorus K is for potash The percent of each element in a package or bottle of fertilizer is always shown in NPK order. For example a 16-16-8 fertilizer is 16%, 16% and 8% per cent potash. […]

Malathion – Has been used for decades. Malathion is a safe insecticide in the hands of the gardener. Malathion has a wide range of insects it controls.

Life Cycle – Most insects go through several distinct changes during their lifetimes. These changes constitute their life cycle. The life cycle of the beetle family and the moth-butterfly family are classically illustrated: The beetles are frequently destructive in both larva and adult stages. Pest control is, therefore, frequently directed at both stages. The butterfly […]

Host Plant – Any plant that furnishes subsistence for a plant pest. In the literal sense any plant that a bug or disease lives on is a host plant. In general usage, however, the term is used to describe a plant that is notorious for offering sustenance to any one bad pest. For example some […]

Growth Regulators – Substances in plants that regulate growth are called auxins or hormones; similar substances made synthetically by man are also called plant hormones. The term used generally to describe both the natural and manufactured hormones and auxins is growth regulator. For example and “old time chemical” 2,4—D is a growth regulator used as […]

Fun Gardening – In contrast to chore gardening. Carried out by home owners who garden and care for plants with a light heart. Often they buy plants in bloom in pots. They play with, decorate outdoor rooms with them, move them around, and replace them when they are “worn out.”