Gardening tips: Deciphering gardening lingo

We’ve all been there, trying to wrap your head around the ‘nursery speak’ describing a plant type or nasty horticultural condition, wondering if what you’re hearing is something to be terrified of or excited about! Deciphering industry lingo would fill a book, so let’s tackle the top 10 terms and myths about the garden.

Annual – Seasonal plants with a lifespan of less than one year, grows quickly, usually gives a pop of colour and needs to be replanted every year.

Biennial – Plants that have a life cycle of two years. Plants germinate in the first year developing roots, leaves and structure. They then they flower or fruit in the second year and die.

Perennial – Plants with a lifespan of more than two years. They tend to grow more slowly and are usually more expensive due to their longevity.

Deciduous – These are plants that lose all their leaves for a portion of the year, usually autumn or winter (or before the dry season) and become dormant over that period. They re-grow leaves in spring.

Companion planting – This is most often practiced in herb and vegetable gardens by growing different plants together to create a beneficial environment for all. It helps increase harvest and reduce the need for pesticides. Example – growing tomatoes with basil or onions with carrots.

Hydrophobic soil – This condition prevents water reaching the roots, so plants will dry out. The soil becomes water repellent by creating a waxy coating on soil particles. Liquids pool on the surface and struggle to soak in. This is often caused by extended dry periods. The addition of wetting agents and improving soil with organic matter will help remove this waxy coating and allow the soil to rehydrate.

Potting mix vs garden soil – Potting mix is a combination of organic matter with the addition of peat moss, fertilisers, perlite and moisture-retaining components offering a lightweight mix with good drainage and everything your plant needs in its contained environment initially. Garden soil is a blend of clay, sand, silt, organic material and is much heavier in weight causing it to become compacted and not drain sufficiently in pots. Always use the right mix for the best results.

Rubble in the base of pots – my grandad’s favourite! The addition of a layer of rubble in the base of pots not only blocks drainage holes but can create a ‘water well’ resulting in a soggy layer above the gravel and causing root rot. Today’s potting mixes are created to allow for the appropriate level of drainage and better plant health.

Single vs double flowers – A single flower has one row of petals around the centre making them easier for pollinators to access, while a double has multiple rows of petals. These are valued for their beauty but are less attractive to pollinators as the centre is more difficult to access. Many ‘doubles’ have been bred to create such visually appealing blooms.

Seasol isn’t a fertiliser – Seasol is a kelp-based product that can be used year-round as a valuable plant tonic. It assists with root development, helps prevent transplant shock, heat/cold stress, enhancing a plants ability to absorb nutrients and encourages beneficial microorganisms in the soil. It should be used in conjunction with a fertiliser which offers a full supply of nutrients and ‘food’ for a plant’s growth, health and productivity.

Top tips for spring

• Never be afraid to ask questions at the garden centre

• It's time to fertilise for optimal spring growth

• Use appropriate potting mix and fertiliser blends for your plants’ needs

• Top dress your lawn to fill any holes or uneven patches

Happy gardening!