IELTS Vocabulary List: Gardening
Soil
Explanation: The upper layer of earth in which plants grow.
Example: Healthy soil is essential for a productive garden.
Compost
Explanation: Decayed organic material used as plant fertilizer.
Example: Compost enriches the soil with nutrients.
Pruning
Explanation: Trimming plants to remove dead or overgrown branches.
Example: Pruning rose bushes promotes healthy growth.
Mulch
Explanation: Material spread over soil to retain moisture.
Example: Mulch helps prevent weed growth in gardens.
Weeding
Explanation: Removing unwanted plants from the garden.
Example: Regular weeding keeps the garden neat and healthy.
Irrigation
Explanation: Artificial application of water to land.
Example: Efficient irrigation systems conserve water.
Horticulture
Explanation: The art and science of garden cultivation.
Example: Horticulture involves growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Germination
Explanation: The process by which a seed develops into a plant.
Example: Proper conditions are needed for seed germination.
Perennial
Explanation: Plants that live for more than two years.
Example: Perennial flowers like peonies bloom annually.
Annual
Explanation: Plants that complete their lifecycle in one year.
Example: Marigolds are popular annuals in gardens.
Fertilizer
Explanation: Substances added to soil to enhance plant growth.
Example: Organic fertilizer improves soil fertility naturally.
Propagation
Explanation: The process of growing new plants from seeds or cuttings.
Example: Propagation is a common method to multiply garden plants.
Hydroponics
Explanation: Growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions.
Example: Hydroponics is ideal for urban gardening.
Photosynthesis
Explanation: Process by which green plants make food using sunlight.
Example: Photosynthesis is essential for plant growth and oxygen production.
Botany
Explanation: The scientific study of plants.
Example: Botany helps us understand plant physiology and ecology.
Greenhouse
Explanation: A structure with walls and roof made chiefly of transparent material, used for growing plants.
Example: Greenhouses protect plants from harsh weather.
Topsoil
Explanation: The uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic material.
Example: Topsoil is vital for healthy plant roots.
Pest
Explanation: Organisms that damage or destroy plants.
Example: Controlling pests is crucial for a thriving garden.
Herbicide
Explanation: Chemicals used to kill unwanted plants.
Example: Selective herbicides target specific weeds without harming crops.
Biodiversity
Explanation: Variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Example: Biodiversity in gardens supports ecological balance.
Landscape
Explanation: Planning and designing outdoor spaces.
Example: Landscape design enhances the beauty and functionality of gardens.
Cultivate
Explanation: Prepare and use land for growing crops.
Example: Farmers cultivate fields to grow vegetables.
Organic
Explanation: Relating to or derived from living matter, often used in gardening to avoid synthetic chemicals.
Example: Organic gardening practices promote soil health.
Pruners
Explanation: Tools used for cutting branches and stems.
Example: Sharp pruners make clean cuts on plants.
Sapling
Explanation: A young tree.
Example: Planting saplings helps reforest areas.
Grafting
Explanation: Joining two plants together to grow as one.
Example: Grafting is used to propagate desirable plant varieties.
Cultivar
Explanation: A plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding.
Example: There are many rose cultivars with different colors and fragrances.
Edible
Explanation: Suitable for eating.
Example: Edible flowers like nasturtiums add color to salads.
Compost Bin
Explanation: A container for decomposing organic waste.
Example: A compost bin turns kitchen scraps into valuable fertilizer.
Arborist
Explanation: A professional who cares for trees.
Example: An arborist pruned the old oak tree in the garden.
Pollination
Explanation: Transfer of pollen from male to female plant parts.
Example: Bees are crucial for the pollination of many plants.
Trellis
Explanation: A framework of light wooden or metal bars for supporting climbing plants.
Example: Peas grow well when supported by a trellis.
Xeriscaping
Explanation: Landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation.
Example: Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants to conserve water.
Perlite
Explanation: A form of volcanic glass used in soil mixes to improve aeration and drainage.
Example: Adding perlite to potting soil helps prevent root rot.
Raised Bed
Explanation: An elevated garden bed for growing plants.
Example: Raised beds improve drainage and soil quality.
Transplanting
Explanation: Moving a plant from one location to another.
Example: Transplanting seedlings carefully prevents root damage.
Botanical Garden
Explanation: A garden dedicated to the collection, cultivation, and display of a wide range of plants.
Example: The botanical garden features rare and exotic plants.
Aquaponics
Explanation: A system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics.
Example: Aquaponics allows for the cultivation of plants and fish together.
Loam
Explanation: A rich, fertile soil with a balance of sand, silt, and clay.
Example: Loam is ideal for growing most garden plants.
Deadheading
Explanation: Removing spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Example: Deadheading roses keeps them blooming all season.
Shade Plant
Explanation: Plants that thrive in low light conditions.
Example: Hostas are popular shade plants in gardens.
Climber
Explanation: Plants that grow upwards using supports.
Example: Clematis is a beautiful climber with colorful flowers.
Groundcover
Explanation: Low-growing plants that spread to cover the soil.
Example: Groundcovers like ivy prevent soil erosion.
Herb Garden
Explanation: A garden where herbs are grown for culinary and medicinal use.
Example: Fresh herbs from the herb garden enhance the flavor of dishes.
Manure
Explanation: Animal dung used to fertilize land.
Example: Adding manure to the garden improves soil fertility.
Vermiculture
Explanation: The cultivation of worms to decompose organic food waste.
Example: Vermiculture produces nutrient-rich worm castings for gardening.
Aeration
Explanation: Introducing air into the soil to improve its quality.
Example: Aeration helps prevent soil compaction and promotes root growth.
Espalier
Explanation: Training trees to grow flat against a wall or fence.
Example: Espaliered fruit trees save space in small gardens.
Permeability
Explanation: The ability of soil to transmit water and air.
Example: Soil permeability affects drainage and plant health.
Heirloom
Explanation: Traditional plant varieties passed down through generations.
Example: Heirloom tomatoes are valued for their flavor and diversity.
Bulb
Explanation: An underground storage organ from which a plant grows.
Example: Daffodils and tulips grow from bulbs planted in autumn.
Topiary
Explanation: The art of trimming plants into ornamental shapes.
Example: Topiary adds a formal touch to gardens.
Humus
Explanation: Decomposed organic matter in soil.
Example: Humus enhances soil structure and fertility.
Botanist
Explanation: A scientist who studies plants.
Example: A botanist identified the rare species growing in the wild.
Germplasm
Explanation: Genetic material of plants used for breeding.
Example: Preserving germplasm is essential for maintaining crop diversity.
Green Manure
Explanation: Plants grown to be plowed into the soil to improve its quality.
Example: Green manure crops like clover add nitrogen to the soil.
Succulent
Explanation: Plants with thick, fleshy tissues adapted to store water.
Example: Succulents are popular for their low water needs and unique appearance.
Cold Frame
Explanation: An unheated outdoor structure used to protect plants in cold weather.
Example: A cold frame extends the growing season in spring and fall.
Pollinator
Explanation: Organisms that transfer pollen between flowers.
Example: Butterflies are important pollinators in the garden.
Cutting
Explanation: A piece of a plant used to grow a new plant.
Example: Growing plants from cuttings is an efficient way to propagate.
Leaf Mold
Explanation: Decomposed leaves used as a soil conditioner.
Example: Leaf mold improves soil texture and moisture retention.
Biochar
Explanation: Charcoal used to enhance soil fertility.
Example: Biochar helps retain nutrients and water in the soil.
Fungicide
Explanation: Chemicals used to kill fungi that harm plants.
Example: Applying fungicide can prevent powdery mildew on plants.
Biennial
Explanation: Plants that take two years to complete their lifecycle.
Example: Parsley is a biennial herb often grown in gardens.
Thinning
Explanation: Removing excess seedlings to allow space for growth.
Example: Thinning carrots ensures they have room to develop properly.
Container Gardening
Explanation: Growing plants in pots or containers instead of in the ground.
Example: Container gardening is perfect for small spaces and balconies.
Ornamental
Explanation: Plants grown for decorative purposes.
Example: Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to gardens.
Hardscape
Explanation: Non-plant elements in landscaping, like paths and walls.
Example: Hardscape features provide structure and functionality in gardens.
Deciduous
Explanation: Trees or shrubs that shed their leaves annually.
Example: Deciduous trees provide shade in summer and light in winter.
Evergreen
Explanation: Plants that retain their leaves throughout the year.
Example: Evergreen shrubs provide year-round color and privacy.
Pesticide
Explanation: Chemicals used to kill pests that harm plants.
Example: Using natural pesticides can reduce environmental impact.
Self-sowing
Explanation: Plants that naturally disperse seeds and regrow.
Example: Self-sowing flowers like calendula can create a wildflower effect.
Cloches
Explanation: Bell-shaped covers used to protect plants from cold.
Example: Cloches help extend the growing season for tender plants.
Bare-root
Explanation: Plants sold without soil around their roots.
Example: Bare-root trees are typically planted in late winter or early spring.
Nutrient
Explanation: Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth.
Example: Plants require nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Carbon Sequestration
Explanation: The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Example: Trees and plants play a crucial role in carbon sequestration.
Pollinator Garden
Explanation: A garden designed to attract and support pollinators.
Example: Planting a pollinator garden helps sustain bee and butterfly populations.
Gardening Zones
Explanation: Geographic areas defined by climatic conditions for plant growth.
Example: Knowing your gardening zone helps choose suitable plants.
Companion Planting
Explanation: Growing different plants together for mutual benefit.
Example: Companion planting marigolds with tomatoes deters pests.
Alkaline Soil
Explanation: Soil with a high pH, usually above 7.
Example: Alkaline soil is common in regions with limestone bedrock.
Acidic Soil
Explanation: Soil with a low pH, usually below 7.
Example: Blueberries thrive in acidic soil conditions.
Foliage
Explanation: The leaves of a plant.
Example: Lush foliage adds to the aesthetic appeal of a garden.
Staking
Explanation: Supporting plants with stakes to prevent them from falling.
Example: Staking tall plants like tomatoes prevents them from toppling over.
Crop Rotation
Explanation: Growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons.
Example: Crop rotation helps prevent soil depletion and pest buildup.
Rootbound
Explanation: When a plant's roots outgrow their container and become tangled.
Example: Transplanting rootbound plants into larger pots encourages healthy growth.
Seedling
Explanation: A young plant grown from a seed.
Example: Seedlings require careful attention and proper light.
Drip Irrigation
Explanation: A method of watering plants using a slow drip.
Example: Drip irrigation conserves water and delivers it directly to plant roots.
Tuber
Explanation: A swollen underground stem or root used to store nutrients.
Example: Potatoes are grown from tubers planted in the soil.
Drought-resistant
Explanation: Plants that can survive with minimal water.
Example: Lavender is a drought-resistant plant ideal for dry climates.
Pollinator
Explanation: An organism that moves pollen from one flower to another.
Example: Bees are essential pollinators for many fruit crops.
Shade Tolerance
Explanation: The ability of a plant to thrive in low-light conditions.
Example: Ferns are known for their high shade tolerance.
Topdressing
Explanation: Adding a layer of compost or soil to the surface of a garden bed.
Example: Topdressing the lawn in spring helps improve soil quality.
Nitrogen Fixation
Explanation: The process by which certain plants convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.
Example: Legumes like peas and beans contribute to nitrogen fixation in the soil.
Biennial
Explanation: Plants that complete their life cycle in two years.
Example: Parsley is a biennial that grows foliage the first year and seeds the second.
Herbaceous
Explanation: Plants with non-woody stems that die back at the end of the growing season.
Example: Most annual flowers are herbaceous plants.
Green Roof
Explanation: A roof of a building covered with vegetation.
Example: Green roofs help insulate buildings and reduce urban heat islands.
Grafting
Explanation: Joining two plant parts so they grow as one.
Example: Grafting is often used to propagate fruit trees.
Leaf Litter
Explanation: Fallen leaves that decompose and enrich the soil.
Example: Leaf litter provides a habitat for beneficial insects.
Microclimate
Explanation: A localized climate that differs from the surrounding area.
Example: A garden's microclimate can be influenced by structures and plantings.
Epiphyte - Explanation: Plants that grow on other plants for support. -
Example: Orchids are well-known epiphytes that thrive in tree canopies.