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The transplanting of seedlings from the seedbeds in which they were sown, to new containers. The term is derived from the old practice of pricking small holes in the soil in preparation for the planting of the young seedlings.

A general term for a number of fungal diseases, which are normally soil-borne, but also aerially transmitted. It affects a large range of plants, but commonly cereal cops. May cause damping off and blight, but can be controlled using fungicide.

1) The dry, rocky detritus found at the base of mountains.2) A mixture of stones and sharp sand, which, when mixed with soil, forms a growing medium for alpines and other plants requiring good drainage.

A shoot which runs along or just below the ground which roots at the tip and produces a new plant. Differs from a runner which produces roots at the nodes along the length of the stem.

Refers to foliage having patches of different colours, usually as a result of the chlorophyll content. Common combinations are green with cream, white or silver, although some plants produce foliage that mix green with reds and yellows.

or calcifuge (lime-hating) plants.

1) A dish used for raising seedlings and shallow-rooted plants.2) A compacted layer of subsoil produced by digging to the same depth over time, through which roots can't penetrate.3) A surface pan may occur when topsoil is compacted by walking

1) A plant or shrub pruned and trained to grow into a tree-like form, with one trunk or stem that's 3-6ft long before branches appear. The practice is entirely aesthetic, and often used for roses. See Half standard.2) The erect petals of the iris

; John Innes potting compost No.2 for potting on; and John Innes compost No.3 for final potting of stock plants.Composts like this, which are soil based, should be stored in dry conditions and used within a month of purchase.