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Looking Out for Hedgehogs...

Hedgehogs are some of the most endearing creatures in our gardens, but winter...

Prune Apple Trees

Pruning is an essential task for maintaining healthy, productive apple trees. Proper pruning...

Dividing Snowdrops: A Step-by-Step...

Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) are a cherished sight in late winter, heralding the arrival...

Force Rhubarb: A Gardener’s...

Forcing rhubarb is a traditional gardening technique that produces tender, sweet stalks, perfect...
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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Tackling Box Blight and Box Tree Caterpillar Legally in the UK

How to diagnose, prevent and treat Box Blight and Box Tree Caterpillar in accordance with UK law Box hedges (Buxus sempervirens and related species) have...

Bolting

BoltingCategory: Plant Physiology / Growth Disorders Definition:Bolting is the premature production of a flowering stem in plants before the crop has been harvested, typically triggered...

Blotchy Ripening

Definition:Blotchy ripening is a physiological disorder primarily observed in fleshy fruits—most notably in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)—where patches of the fruit fail to develop normal...

Blossom End Rot

Blossom End Rot (noun; plant pathology, horticulture) Definition: Blossom end rot is a physiological disorder affecting the fruit of various flowering plants—most notably tomatoes, peppers, aubergines...

Blind

Blind (adjective, noun; horticulture, botany) Definition (Botany & Horticulture): In a botanical or horticultural context, blind refers to a plant shoot, bud, or flowering stem that...

Blight

(noun; pathology, botany) Definition:In botany, blight refers to a rapid and extensive discoloration, wilting, or death of plant tissues—typically leaves, stems, or flowers—caused by...

Bleeding

Bleeding (Botanical Term) Definition:In botany, bleeding refers to the exudation of sap or other plant fluids from a wound or incision in a plant’s vascular...

Black Spot

Black Spot (Plant Disease: Caused by Diplocarpon rosae) Classification: Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Ascomycota Class: Leotiomycetes Order: Helotiales Family: Dermateaceae Genus: Diplocarpon Species: Diplocarpon rosae Description: Black spot is a fungal disease that primarily affects...

Blackleg

Blackleg (Plant Disease: Caused by Phoma lingam and Pectobacterium atrosepticum) Classification: Kingdom: Fungi / Bacteria Phylum: Ascomycota (Phoma lingam) / Proteobacteria (Pectobacterium atrosepticum) Class: Dothideomycetes (Phoma lingam) /...

Blackfly

Blackfly (Aphididae: Aphis fabae Scopoli, 1763) Classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Hemiptera Family: Aphididae Genus: Aphis Species: Aphis fabae Description: The blackfly, Aphis fabae, is a small, sap-sucking insect belonging to...

Bitter Pit

Bitter Pit Overview:Bitter pit is a physiological disorder affecting apples (Malus domestica), primarily caused by calcium deficiency in the fruit. It manifests as small, dark,...

Pyracantha Moth (Argyresthia conjugella)

Pyracantha Moth (Argyresthia conjugella) Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ArthropodaClass: InsectaOrder: LepidopteraFamily: YponomeutidaeGenus: ArgyresthiaSpecies: Argyresthia conjugella Description The pyracantha moth (Argyresthia conjugella), commonly known as the apple fruit moth, is...

Firethorn Leaf Miner (Phyllonorycter leucographella)

Firethorn Leaf Miner (Phyllonorycter leucographella) Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ArthropodaClass: InsectaOrder: LepidopteraFamily: GracillariidaeGenus: PhyllonorycterSpecies: Phyllonorycter leucographella Description The firethorn leaf miner (Phyllonorycter leucographella) is a small moth that primarily...

Bipinnate

Bipinnate – A Botanical Term Definition Bipinnate describes a type of compound leaf structure in which the primary leaflets are further divided into secondary leaflets, giving...

Big Bud

Big Bud – A Plant Disorder Overview Big Bud is a physiological and pest-related disorder affecting various plants, particularly blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), and...

Biennial Plants

Biennial Plants Definition:A biennial is a plant that completes its life cycle over two years. In the first year, it grows vegetatively, producing leaves, roots,...

Besom

Besom (Cytisus scoparius and Related Species) Classification: Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Genus: Cytisus Species: Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link Common Names:Broom, Common Broom, Scotch Broom, Besom Broom Description:The besom,...

Berry

Berry Overview:A berry is a type of simple, fleshy fruit that typically develops from a single ovary and contains one or more seeds embedded within...

Benzene Hexachloride

Benzene Hexachloride (BHC) Overview:Benzene hexachloride (BHC) is an organochlorine compound with the molecular formula C₆H₆Cl₆. It exists in several isomeric forms, with the gamma-isomer (γ-BHC)...

Bell Glass

Bell Glass (Cloche de Verre) Overview:A bell glass, also known as a cloche de verre, is a transparent, dome-shaped cover traditionally used in horticulture to...

Beetle

Beetle (Order: Coleoptera) Taxonomy & Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Coleoptera Families: Over 350 (e.g., Scarabaeidae, Carabidae, Curculionidae, Coccinellidae) Description Beetles are the largest order of insects, with over...

Beet and Mangold Fly

Beet and Mangold Fly (Pegomya hyoscyami) Taxonomy & Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Diptera Family: Anthomyiidae Genus: Pegomya Species: Pegomya hyoscyami Description The beet and mangold fly (Pegomya hyoscyami), sometimes referred...

Bee

Bee (Superfamily: Apoidea) Definition:Bees are winged insects belonging to the superfamily Apoidea, known for their role in pollination and, in the case of honeybees (Apis...

Bedding Plant

Definition:A bedding plant is a plant grown primarily for seasonal display in garden beds, borders, containers, or other decorative planting schemes. These plants are...

Bastard Trenching

Bastard Trenching – A Horticultural and Soil Cultivation Entry Definition and Purpose Bastard trenching is a double-depth soil cultivation technique used to improve soil structure, aeration,...

Bast

Bast – A Botanical and Structural Entry Definition and Function Bast, also known as phloem fibres, is the vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transport...

Basic Slag

Basic Slag (Thomas Slag) – A Botanical and Agricultural Entry Definition and Composition Basic slag, also known as Thomas slag, is a byproduct of the steel...

Basal Rot

Basal Rot (Root and Crown Rot in Plants) Definition Basal rot is a fungal or bacterial disease that affects the base of a plant’s stem, crown,...

Bark Ringing

Bark Ringing (Girdling in Trees and Shrubs) Definition Bark ringing, also known as girdling, is the removal or damage of a complete ring of bark around...

Bark-Bound

Definition Bark-Bound (Physiological Condition in Trees and Shrubs) Bark-bound, also known as girdling or constricted bark syndrome, is a physiological condition affecting trees and woody shrubs...

Bark Beetles

Bark Beetles (Family: Curculionidae, Subfamily: Scolytinae) Bark beetles are a diverse group of small, wood-boring beetles known for their ability to tunnel beneath the bark...

Aquatic

Aquatic (adj.) In botanical terminology, aquatic refers to plants that grow in or are adapted to water environments, including freshwater, brackish, and marine habitats. These...

Appressed

Appressed (adj.) In botanical terminology, appressed describes plant structures—such as leaves, hairs (trichomes), or scales—that lie flat against the surface of another organ, rather than...

Apple Sawfly

Apple Sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea) OverviewThe apple sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea) is a small, wasp-like insect that primarily affects apple (Malus domestica) trees. It is a significant...

Apple Scab

Apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis) OverviewApple scab is a fungal disease caused by Venturia inaequalis, affecting apple (Malus domestica) and crabapple (Malus spp.) trees. It is...

Apple Powdery Mildew

Apple Powdery Mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha) Taxonomy: Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Ascomycota Class: Leotiomycetes Order: Erysiphales Family: Erysiphaceae Genus: Podosphaera Species: P. leucotricha Description: Apple powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha) is a fungal pathogen that affects apple...

Apple Blossom Weevil

Apple Blossom Weevil (Anthonomus pomorum) Taxonomy: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Coleoptera Family: Curculionidae Genus: Anthonomus Species: A. pomorum Description: The Apple Blossom Weevil (Anthonomus pomorum) is a small, reddish-brown beetle belonging...

Aphis

Aphis Definition:The term Aphis refers to a genus of small sap-sucking insects belonging to the family Aphididae. Commonly known as aphids, these soft-bodied insects are...

Apiculate

Apiculate Definition:The term apiculate (derived from the Latin apiculus, meaning "small point") describes a plant structure that ends in a short, pointed tip, often slightly...

Apical

Apical Definition:The term apical (from the Latin apex, meaning "tip" or "summit") refers to the position, structure, or growth occurring at the apex (tip) of...

Apetalous

Apetalous Definition:Apetalous (from the Greek a- meaning "without" and petalon meaning "petal") describes a flower that lacks petals. Botanical Context:In botanical classification, apetalous flowers are those...

Ant

In the United Kingdom, over 30 ant species inhabit various environments, with several commonly found in gardens and homes. While ants play essential roles...

Anthracnose

Anthracnose Definition Anthracnose is a fungal disease affecting a wide range of plants, characterized by dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. It...

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins Definition Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments belonging to the flavonoid group, responsible for red, purple, and blue coloration in plants. They are found in flowers,...

Anther

Anther Definition The anther is the pollen-producing part of a stamen, the male reproductive organ of a flower. It is typically located at the tip...

Anterior

Anterior Definition In botany, anterior refers to the front or outward-facing part of a plant structure, typically in relation to an axis, point of attachment,...

Annual

Annual Definition An annual is a plant that completes its entire life cycle—germination, vegetative growth, flowering, seed production, and death—within a single growing season. Annuals...

Anbury (Clubroot)

Anbury (Clubroot) Overview Scientific Name: Plasmodiophora brassicae (causal organism)Common Name: Anbury, ClubrootType: Soil-borne disease affecting brassicasAffected Plants: Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, turnips, radishes, and...

Alpha-Naphthalene Acetic Acid

Alpha-Naphthalene Acetic Acid Overview Chemical Name: Alpha-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (α-NAA)Common Name: Naphthylacetic acid, NAAType: Synthetic plant hormone (auxin)Use in Horticulture: Rooting hormone, fruit thinning agent,...

Ammonium Polysulphide

Got it! Here’s the revised entry with sulphur instead of sulfur: Ammonium Polysulphide Overview Chemical Name: Ammonium polysulphide (NH₄)₂SₓCommon Name: Ammonium polysulphide solutionType: Inorganic compoundUse in Horticulture:...

Ammonia

Ammonia Chemical Formula: NH₃ Definition:Ammonia is a colorless, pungent gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. It is a naturally occurring compound found in the environment, animal...

American Gooseberry Mildew

American Gooseberry Mildew Scientific Name: Podosphaera leucotricha (formerly Sphaerotheca mors-uvae) Definition:American gooseberry mildew is a fungal disease affecting gooseberries (Ribes spp.) and currants, caused by Podosphaera...

American Blight

American Blight Alternative Names: Woolly Apple Aphid Infestation Definition:American Blight is a common term referring to infestations of the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), a sap-sucking...

Alum

Alum (Potassium Aluminium Sulphate) Synonyms: Potash Alum, Potassium AlumChemical Formula: KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂OCommon Sources: Natural minerals (Alunite, Bauxite), Industrial synthesis Botanical and Historical Context Alum is not a plant-derived...

Alpine

Alpine Plants and Gardening Alpine plants are a specialized group of flora that thrive in mountainous regions, typically above the tree line, where conditions are...

Alluvial

Alluvial (adjective, noun) (Geology, Soil Science, Horticulture - Adjective) Relating to materials such as clay, silt, sand, and gravel that have been deposited by flowing...

Algae

Algae (plural noun, singular: alga) (Botany, Horticulture, Ecology) A diverse group of photosynthetic organisms found primarily in aquatic environments, ranging from microscopic single-celled forms to...

Aggregate

(noun, adjective) (Botany, Horticulture - Noun) A group of small, distinct units or structures that are clustered together but remain individually identifiable. In horticulture,...

Algae

Definition:Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms found in aquatic and moist terrestrial environments. They range from microscopic, single-celled forms like phytoplankton to...

Aerosol

Definition:An aerosol in botany refers to a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. These particles can originate...

Aerobic

Definition:Aerobic refers to processes or organisms that require oxygen to survive, grow, or function. In plants and soils, aerobic conditions are essential for various...

Aerial Root

Definition:Aerial roots are roots that grow above the ground or water, often exposed to the air. These roots are specialized for various functions, such...

Aeration

Definition:Aeration in botany refers to the process or condition of allowing air to circulate through or within a plant’s tissues, soil, or growing medium....

Adventitious

Definition:Adventitious refers to structures, particularly roots, that arise in unusual or unexpected locations on a plant, such as from stems, leaves, or other non-root...

Acute

In botany, the term acute refers to a plant part, typically a leaf or petal, that ends in a sharp, distinct point. Unlike an...

Acuminate

The term acuminate is used in botany to describe a leaf or other plant part that tapers to a long, sharp point. This shape...

Acicular

The term acicular is used in botany to describe structures that are long, slender, and needle-like in shape. Derived from the Latin word acicula...

Achene

An achene is a type of dry, indehiscent fruit that contains a single seed. Unlike other fruit types, the seed is not fused to...

Acaulescent

An acaulescent plant is one that appears to lack a stem or has an extremely short stem, often with leaves growing directly from the...

Acaricide

An acaricide is a chemical or biological substance used to manage and eliminate mites and ticks, which are small arachnids belonging to the subclass...
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