Soil with a pH value of less then 7 (7 being neutral)

Loosen to allow air into plant roots eg. Using a spiked roller to aerate a lawn.

Soil with a pH value of greater than 7 (7 being neutral)

Fill in a planting hole or trench around a plant's roots with a soil or compost mix

Application of compost or fertiliser to be worked into the soil or compost before planting or sowing.

A mixture of charcoal oystershell and peat, used for growing bulbs in containers.

Plants that thrive in alkaline soils Lime-loving

Lime-hating plants that will not grow in alkaline soils, (see Ericaceous)

Fibrous matting used to draw water up into plant pots, used on benches or beds

Material obtained from the husk of coconuts,highly moisture retentive, used as an ingredient or base material for growing media.

A generic term used to describe growing media mixes usually consisting of peat, loam and other organic matter.

The decomposed remains of plants and other organic matter, used as a mulch or general soil improver.

Broken plant pots or china used to cover the drainage holes in plant pots prior to filling with compost, improves drainage and root aeration.

A tool used for making a hole in compost into which seedlings or cuttings are planted, often a short piece of pointed broom handle.

A furrow or channel in soil or compost into which seeds are sown or cuttings are planted.

Plants of the family Ericaceae, normally lime-hating which require a compost or soil of pH 6.5 or less

An acidic low lime content compost suitable for plants which prefer acid conditions ie. Heathers, Azalea, Rhododendrons and Camelia.

A term used to describe compost or soil that is crumbly and easily worked.

Soils with a high content of clay are described as heavy.

The organic residue of decayed plant materials in soil. Also used to describe composted leaf mould or garden compost.

Chemical compounds that do not contain carbon. May be refined from natural chemicals or produced synthetically.

Compost formulations developed by the John Innes Horticultural Institute in 1939 using blends of loam, peat and sand.

The loss of soluble nutrients from compost or soil as a result of drainage. Compounds of Calcium added to compost to reduce acidity.

Compounds of Calcium added to compost to reduce acidity.

Traditionally the residue from well rotted turf stacked in heaps to weather, more commonly a friable topsoil with a high organic content.

A mixture of minerals and organic matter in which plants may be propagated or grown.

Peat derived from the remains of sphagnum moss , used predominantly in the production of growing media.

Material applied to the surface of soil or compost to suppress weeds, conserve moisture and maintain root temperature.

Minerals from which the proteins and other compounds required for plant growth are developed.

Naturally occurring organic compounds derived from the prehistoric remains of plants and animals containing high levels of Humic and Fulvic acids.

Sometimes describing plant production without the use of synthetic chemicals, generally refers to chemical compounds derived from decomposed plant and animal remains.

The partially decayed, humus-rich remains of plants preserved by the acidic conditions formed on the surface of waterlogged soils.

An accumulation of the remains of peat forming plants preserved by a combination of acid and waterlogged conditions.

A material such as cocofibre or bark used in place of peat in the formulation of a growing medium.

Small particles of lightweight material derived from volcanic rock, used as a substitute for grit in growing media to improve drainage and aeration.

A coarse dark material derived from the decomposed remains of sedges, reeds, heather and mosses.

Mosses with very high moisture retention properties, common to bogs, the long dead remains preserved as peat comprise the main ingredient of growing media.

A measure of digging depth relating to the depth of a spade, approx. 25-30 cm.

Layers of less fertile and poorer structured soil found beneath topsoil.

Decorative dressing applied at the base of plants. An application of fertiliser, soil or sand applied to the surface of soil or lawns to improve fertility.

The upper, normally more fertile layer of soil.

Essential nutrients and chemicals for plant growth which are normally only required in very small quantities.

Derived from volcanic rock this material is added to growing media to increase water retention and aeration.

An additive to growing media that increases the rate of water absorbtion and retention.