--- title: The Beginner's Gardening Glossary description: A devoted gardener should be well-versed in agricultural lingo, even if gardening is just a hobby. image: https://www.apexhose.com/hubfs/Blog/83385508_Subscription_S%5B1%5D.jpg --- [![teknor-apex-logo](https://www.apexhose.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apexhose%20Header/images/teknor-apex-logo.png?width=252&height=74&name=teknor-apex-logo.png) ](https://www.apexhose.com) ![Product_banners_(1).jpg](https://www.apexhose.com/hs-fs/file-1677889614-jpg/images/layout/page-banners/blog_blog_banner.jpg?width=1923&name=blog_blog_banner.jpg "Product_banners_(1).jpg") # Articles ## The Beginner's Gardening Glossary Posted by [Teknor Apex](https://www.apexhose.com/articles/author/teknor-apex) on Jan 20, 2017 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![83385508_Subscription_S[1].jpg](https://www.apexhose.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/83385508_Subscription_S%5B1%5D.jpg?width=338&name=83385508_Subscription_S%5B1%5D.jpg)As a novice home gardener, you know some of the basics — garden hoses come in lengths between 25 feet and 100 feet, the optimum amount of water for a lawn is about one inch per session — but you’ve still got a lot to learn. To get you started, here is a brief glossary of some essential gardening terms. ### 10 Basic Gardening Terms **Aeration:** This is the practice of perforating the soil to allow air to circulate and water and nutrients to reach the growing plant. **Annual:** An annual is a plant that completes its entire life cycle from germination to seed production in just one year. Examples of annuals include peas, watermelon, petunias, and zinnias. **Biennial:** A biennial is a plant whose life cycle spans two growing seasons. they produce leaves in the first year and flowers in the second. Examples of biennials include angelica, evening primrose, and pansies. **Bolt:** This term refers to a plant that seeds prematurely. **Cold frame:** A cold frame is a structure made of wood and glass or plastic that is used to protect plants from frost. They are a useful tool to extend the life of a plant as the seasons change. **Companion planting:** This is the practice of planting different crops next to one another that enhance each other’s growth and/or protect one another from pests. A classic example is what Native Americans called the Three Sisters; they planted corn, beans, and squash in the same field to encourage healthy growth. **Direct seed:** This is the practice of planting seeds directly in the soil instead of starting them indoors. **Perennial:** A perennial is a plant whose life cycle lasts more than two years. Examples of perennials include tomatoes, rosemary, strawberries, dahlias, and daisies. **pH:** A scale from zero to 14 describes the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. **Tilth:** This term refers to the health of the soil. When the soil is healthy, it is described as being in “good tilth.” A devoted gardener should be well-versed in agricultural lingo, even if gardening is just a hobby. 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