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Gardeners' glossary A-Z


1 to 10 of 14 glossary items

Naturalising

Planting randomly to give the impression of naturally occurring plants. It's commonly used in the planting of bulbs, especially crocuses and daffodils.

Necrosis

The death of plant tissue. It often takes the form of necrotic spots on leaves.

Nectar

The honey-like liquid secreted by plants. It's commonly found in flowers, and attracts bees and insect pollinators.

Nectary

The gland at the base of the corolla, which secretes nectar.

Needle

The stiff, spiny leaf found on coniferous trees, such as pine.

Nematode

Microscopic, unsegmented worms that resemble fine cotton threads. Many are parasitic and feed off plant roots.

Neutral

Soil with a pH of 7. It's neither acid nor alkaline.

Nitrate

The result of a chemical process by which nitrogen in plant and animal waste is oxidised by soil bacteria. It first changes into nitrites, then into nitrates, which can be absorbed by plant roots. Nitrate of soda is an alkaline fertiliser that's commonly used, and contains 15% nitrogen.

Nitrite

See Nitrate.

Nitrogen

A chemical element with the symbol N. Nitrogen is a macronutrient, that - along with oxygen, carbon and hydrogen - is essential for plant growth.

1 to 10 of 14 glossary items