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Questions tagged [terminology]

For questions about using the correct terminology

Use this tag for questions about using the correct terminology: eg. What is the correct name or phrase that describes a particular type of plant, part of plant, process, etc.

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What is a 'Perched Water Table'?

In gardening, especially container gardening, you will run into the phenomenon called a 'Perched Water Table' (PWT). What is a perched water table, and how does it work?
J. Musser
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Are "minerals" and "nutrients" the same thing?

Some good answers on this question: Is it worth spreading ash on the vegetable plot?. But one answer says: I can't think of any minerals that would be present and the other upvoted answer says: It has (varying depending on the woods that were…
Tea Drinker
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"Forcing rhubarb" - what does that mean?

In the question Forcing rhubarb - alternatives to fancy forcing jars?, the poster is asking how to "force rhubarb". What does that mean? The house we bought has a rhubarb plant in the yard, but I don't know anything about caring for it. Is…
David Oneill
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How can I identify the "type" of a rose if I don't already know what it is?

In the gardening and rose books I have they talk about different types of roses - hybrid, damask, china, tea, etc. They give a brief history of each rose type and a couple of pictures, but generally little or no description. Is it in fact possible…
standgale
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What are the names of the parts of leaves?

When trying to identify or describe plants, it's helpful to be able to give specific details about the leaves. I know some of the basic shapes, but would like to learn what to call the different parts. I'm hoping for a comprehensive description of…
Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL
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What is considered a "cool climate" for cool climate plants? Can these plants better survive temporary frost?

Is a "cool climate" one that doesn't freeze? Is it one that doesn't freeze until such-and-such a month? Or is it one where the temperature almost always stays above freezing? Related to this, would "cool climate" plants have a resistance to…
Peach
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What is 'Hardening Off'?

Everywhere, when discussing moving a plant to a new location/climate, people mention hardening it off. What does this term mean?
J. Musser
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What does "hardiness zone" mean?

Several questions here refer to (hardiness) zone 6a, 7, 5-8, and others. What is a hardiness zone exactly? Is it determined only by the temperature (maximum, minimum) or are there other factors?
asalamon74
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What to call this latex material used to tie trees?

I got some special hollow (rope/wire/string/tube - I don't know how to call it) - it is green and made of latex about 4 or 5 mm in diameter and used to tie young trees to prevent wind damage. Can anyone tell me what this is called and maybe where I…
epeleg
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Difference between Espalier and Topiary

I'm looking into decorative Topiary. In my studies I've come across a similar process called Espalier. They're both shaped trees. Here's my question: What is the difference between espalier and topiary? Is it plant species, shape or function?…
Coomie
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What does PVP mean?

For a while, when I looked at plants in catalogs, I thought that PVP was part of the name of the plant until I saw the same name without it. What does it mean?
J. Musser
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What is 'Allelopathy'?

When dealing with cover crops, green manures, and in other things I see the term 'Allelopathy', especially regarding replanting an area. What does this term mean?
J. Musser
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What is 'Etiolation'?

I saw a comment about Etiolation when talking about wintering plants. Etiolation is a big concern also, in warmer temps and short days. I've never seen that word before, it sounds like it's something bad happening to the plant. What does…
The Flash
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What does 'standard' mean when referring to shrubs and vines?

I often see shrubs and vines for sale labeled as 'standards'. What does that mean? Examples: Roses Rose of Sharon Trumpet Vine Wisteria And so on.
J. Musser
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What do people mean when they talk about soil going sour?

I've read a couple answers that have mentioned soil going sour. I've gathered that it's a bad thing, but what does it mean when soil goes sour? What causes it to sour?
The Flash
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