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Deciduous

Two trees, one with green leaves and another one where its leaves have turned orange

Pronunciation/dɪˈsɪdʒ.u.əs/ General Description Deciduous refers to plants, particularly trees and shrubs, that shed their leaves annually, usually in response to seasonal changes like colder temperatures or reduced daylight. This characteristic allows the plant to conserve energy and resources during adverse weather conditions. Detailed Description Deciduous plants drop their leaves in the autumn and enter a period of dormancy during winter. This shedding helps plants reduce water loss and protect themselves during colder months when water and light are limited. In spring, deciduous plants regrow their leaves, capitalizing on improved conditions for photosynthesis and growth. Examples of deciduous trees include oak,…

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Deadheading

Person deadheading a flower with a pair of blue secateurs

Pronunciation /dɛdˈhɛdɪŋ/ Description of deadheading Deadheading is the horticultural practice of removing spent flowers from plants. This is commonly done to encourage plants to continue blooming, maintain their aesthetic appeal, and prevent them from wasting energy on seed production. Detailed Description Deadheading as a Verb: Deadheading involves the manual or mechanical removal of faded or dead flowers from a plant. This simple act can help redirect a plant’s energy towards producing new blooms or foliage instead of seeds, enhancing its overall appearance and vitality. While some plants naturally self-clean (shed their flowers), others benefit greatly from this intervention. Equipment Required…

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Damping Off

Young plant that looks like it is suffering from damping off

Pronunciation/ˈdæmpɪŋ ɒf/ General Description Damping off is a gardening term used to describe a fungal disease that affects seedlings, causing them to wilt, collapse, and die. It is a common issue in seed-starting and can be particularly devastating in the early stages of plant growth. Detailed Description Damping off is caused by soil-borne fungi and water moulds, such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium species. These pathogens thrive in warm, moist conditions and attack the stems and roots of young plants, leading to their rapid decline. Symptoms of damping off include: Seedlings failing to emerge from the soil Soft, water-soaked stems…

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Compost

Compost heap with food scraps being poured onto it

Pronunciation /ˈkɒm-pɒst/ General Description Compost is a nutrient-rich material created through the natural decomposition of organic matter, such as leaves, food scraps, and garden waste. It is widely used in gardening, horticulture, and agriculture to improve soil health, retain moisture, and provide essential nutrients for plant growth. Detailed Description Compost is both a product and a process. As a noun, it refers to the finished material resulting from composting—dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling organic matter that enriches soil. As a verb, composting describes the process of recycling organic waste through controlled decomposition. To create compost, organic materials like fruit and vegetable…

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