Gardening and Plants

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Gardening

Get ready to become a gardening pro!

• Start with the ‘Gardening Basics’ – it’s easier than you think. Want to garden but short on space? No worries, ‘Container Gardens’ are here to the rescue!

• Have you ever thought about eating what you grow? With ‘Edible Plants,’ you can!

• Make your yard a stunner with beautiful ‘Trees and Shrubs,’ and learn how ‘Fertilizers’ can help them grow big and strong.

• You’ll be amazed at how ‘Pollinator Plants can attract helpful bugs to your garden, and we’ve got cool tricks for ‘Pest Control’ to keep the not-so-helpful critters away.

• Get your hands dirty understanding ‘Soil Basics’ – it’s the secret sauce of great gardens.

• Ever thought of bringing the outdoors in? ‘House Plants’ make it possible!

• And for some extra sparkle, try ‘Ornamental Plants’. They’re like jewelry for your garden.

• Lastly, discover the magic of ‘Companion Planting’, where plants help each other grow. It’s like a buddy system for your garden!

• And more!

Let’s get growing!

Plant and Garden Vocabulary

Here is where you can go to find definitions, look up plants by their common or scientific names, and learn a little about each plant. We will continue to update and add to this list.

Acclimatization – The process of gradually exposing a plant to a new environment, such as moving an indoor start outside over 7-10 days (hardening off)

Amending soil – Adding organic materials like compost or manure to improve soil texture, fertility, and drainage.

Annuals – Plants that complete their entire life cycle of sprouting, flowering, seeding and dying within a single growing season.

Biennials – Plants that complete their lifecycle over two years, typically storing energy in roots the first year and flowering/setting seed in second year before dying back. Examples are carrots, beets, onions.

Bolting – When leafy greens and herbs prematurely shoot up a seed stalk at expense of foliage growth. Often triggered by temperature shifts or long days.

Cold frame – An unheated outdoor structure with a transparent top that regulates temperature and protects plants like a mini greenhouse, used to harden off seedlings.

Cordon training – Training fruit trees or berry bushes like red currants into a single stem form secured horizontally to wires against a wall or trellis.

Companion planting – Grouping complementary plants together in the garden bed for pest control, higher yields, or growth benefits.

Compost – Dark crumbly organic matter created by decaying lawn and garden waste, manures, leaves etc. Added to soil or used as mulch.

Cultivating tools – Garden tools like hoes, rakes and cultivators used for breaking up top layer of soil, uprooting weeds and lightly turning soil mixes.

Cutting back – Pruning off some portion of a plant’s stems, branches or roots to control growth, remove dead parts or stimulate new growth.

Damping off – Common seedling fungal disease resulting in shriveled, weakened or collapsed lower stems causing death, due to overly moist soil. Prevent by allowing soil surface to dry out between waterings.

Dormancy – Period where deciduous plants pause growth over winter months, losing leaves and entering a kind of hibernation.

Deadheading – Removal of faded or dead flowers. Redirects a plant’s energy into forming new buds and blooms instead of developing seeds.

Espalier – Training woody plants into formal, flattened shapes along a trellis or wires. Requires regular pruning. Fruit trees and grapes adapted to espalier forms.

Humus – Fully decomposed organic matter that forms the richest, most fertile component of soil essential for moisture retention and plant growth.

Hardening off – Gradually introducing a sensitive plant like a seedling to harsher outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting it outside permanently from an indoor start.

Loam soil – Ideal garden soil composed of roughly equal parts sand, silt and clay with rich organic matter like compost. Well-drained but moist holding.

Mulching – Layer of organic material like wood chips, straw, or compost spread atop the soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and moderate soil temperature.

Nitrogen fixing plants – Plants with special root bacteria that convert nitrogen gas from air into compounds plants can use. Important for soil fertility. Common examples are peas, beans, clover.

Perennials – Plants with above ground growth that dies back in winter then re-emerges from rootstock the following year. Many flower repeatedly.

Pinching back – Using your thumb and fingers to snip off small stem tips and flower buds of annuals to encourage branching creating fuller, bushy growth habit.

Succession planting – Technique of planting new seedlings at intervals of 2-3 weeks over a growing season to ensure constant harvests versus all crops maturing at once.

Transplants – Young vegetable, herb or flower plants typically started indoors and sold in spring to plant into gardens versus direct seeding outside. Give plants a few weeks head start on growing season.

Tilling – Turning over garden soil before planting to uproot weeds, mix in amendments and create a smooth, loose seedbed using a gas or electric powered rototiller machine.

Acacia

Scientific Name: Acacia

Family: Fabaceae

Origin: Australia

Growth Habit: Tree

Height: 10-30 Feet

Flower Color: Yellow

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Hardiness Zones: 9-11

Soil Conditions: Well draining

Pest or Disease Issues: Thrips, root rot

Uses: Ornamental

Other Common Names: Thorn Tree, Wattle

Pear Trees
Tab 2
Tab 3

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) Also called church steeples, cocklebur, philanthropos, and sticklewort. Family: Rosaceae

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) Also called Garden angelica, Norwegian angelica, and holy ghost. Family: Apiaceae

Church Steeples (Agrimonia eupatoria) Also called Agrimony, cocklebur, philanthropos, and sticklewort. Family: Rosaceae

Cocklebur (Agrimonia eupatoria) Also called Agrimony, church steeples, philanthropos, and sticklewort. Family: Rosaceae

Garden Angelica (Angelica archangelica) Also called Angelica, Norwegian angelica, and holy ghost. Family: Apiaceae

Holy Ghost (Angelica archangelica) Also called Angelica, Garden angelica, and Norwegian angelica. Family: Apiaceae

Norwegian Angelica (Angelica archangelica) Also called Angelica, Garden angelica, and holy ghost. Family: Apiaceae

Philanthropos (Agrimonia eupatoria) Also called Agrimony, church steeples, cocklebur, and sticklewort. Family: Rosaceae

Sticklewort (Agrimonia eupatoria) Also called Agrimony, church steeples, cocklebur, and philanthropos, . Family: Rosaceae

Common Garden Vegetables
Common Garden Fruits
Common Garden Nuts
Common Tropical Trees (containers)
Common Tropical Plants
Common Edible Flowers and Plants
Common Herbs
Common Onamental Plants

Asparagus – grows in zones 2-10
Beans (green, bush, pole, shell, fava, lima, soy) – grow in zones 2-11
Beets – grow in zones 2-11
Broccoli – grows in zones 3-10
Brussels sprouts – grow in zones 3-8
Cabbage (green, red, savoy) – grow in zones 2-10
Carrots – grow in zones 2-10
Cauliflower – grows in zones 2-10
Celery – grows in zones 2-10 Chard – grows in zones 2-11
Collard greens – grow in zones 5-11
Corn – grows in zones 4-10
Cucumber – grows in zones 2-11
Eggplant – grows in zones 5-10 Endive – grows in zones 2-9
Garlic – grows in zones 3-9
Kale (curly, lacinato) – grows in zones 3-11
Kohlrabi – grows in zones 3-10
Leeks – grow in zones 3-9
Lettuce (butterhead, green leaf, red leaf, romaine) – grows in zones 1-11
Mustard greens – grow in zones 4-11
Okra – grows in zones 5-11
Onions (white, yellow, red) – grow in zones 3-10
Parsley – grows in zones 2-11
Parsnips – grow in zones 3-10
Peas (snow, snap, shelling) – grow in zones 2-10
Peppers (bell, chili) – grow in zones 2-10
Potatoes – grow in zones 2-10
Pumpkins – grow in zones 2-11
Radishes – grow in zones 2-11
Rhubarb – grows in zones 3-8
Rutabaga – grows in zones 4-7
Shallots – grow in zones 5-9
Spinach – grows in zones 2-9
Sprouts (alfalfa, bean, etc) – grow in zones 4-11
Squash (summer, winter, zucchini) – grow in zones 2-11
Sweet Potatoes – grow in zones 5-11
Tomatoes – grow in zones 2-10
Turnips – grow in zones 3-10
Watercress – grows in zones 3-11
Yams – grow in zones 5-11
Zucchini – grows in zones 3-11

Apples – grow in zones 3-9
Apricots – grow in zones 5-9
Blackberries – grow in zones 5-10
Blueberries – grow in zones 3-7
Cherries (sweet, sour) – grow in zones 5-9
Cranberries – grow in zones 2-8
Currants (black, red) – grow in zones 3-8
Elderberries – grow in zones 3-10
Figs – grow in zones 6-11
Gooseberries – grow in zones 3-8
Grapes – grow in zones 4-10
Kiwifruit – grows in zones 7-9
Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew) – grow in zones 4-11
Mulberries – grow in zones 5-9
Nectarines – grow in zones 5-8
Peaches – grow in zones 5-9
Pears – grow in zones 3-9
Plums – grow in zones 4-9
Raspberries (red, black, purple) – grow in zones 3-10
Strawberries – grow in zones 3-11
Watermelon – grows in zones 2-11

The list focuses on the most common nut varieties that can be grown successfully in home gardens across a range of planting hardiness zones. Zone ranges account for differences in minimum winter temperatures for each type of nut tree or shrub. Other factors like chill hours and summer heat tolerance also play a role in where these can be gown. Check specific zone recommendations when planning to incorporate any of these nuts into a home orchard or garden.

Almonds – grow in zones 7-10
Black walnuts – grow in zones 5-9 Brazil nuts – grow in zones 10-11
Cashews – grow in zones 10-11
Chestnuts – grow in zones 4-8
Filberts/Hazelnuts – grow in zones 4-8
Hickory nuts – grow in zones 5-9
Macadamia nuts – grow in zones 9-11
Pecans – grow in zones 5-9
Pine nuts – grow in zones 4-8
Pistachios – grow in zones 7-10
Walnuts – grow in zones 4-7

With proper potting mix, drainage, watering and feeding, tropical fruiting plants like these can bear quality fruit while being kept year round or seasonally in patio pots and containers. Overwintering tropicals indoors is key where they aren’t hardy in the ground. Container size should allow for maturity size of roots and canopy for healthiest harvests.

Banana trees Calamansi trees
Carambola trees
Citron trees
Citrus trees (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, kumquat)
Fig trees
Guava trees
Jackfruit trees
Longan trees
Lychee trees
Mango trees
Papaya trees
Passionfruit vines
Pineapple plants
Pomegranate trees
Star fruit trees
Vanilla orchid vine

Many tropical plants thrive as houseplants and in humid bathroom environments away from frost. Tropical zone 10-12 gardens offer warmer yearly low temps for certain flowering tropical species to thrive outdoors. Care needs of tropical plants varies greatly by variety.

Anthurium – tropical climate houseplant
Bird of Paradise – zones 10-12 garden plant
Bromeliads – tropical climate houseplants
Caladium – zones 9-11 garden plant, houseplant
Croton – tropical climate houseplant
Dieffenbachia – tropical climate houseplant
Dracaena – tropical climate houseplant
Ficus – tropical climate houseplant
Hawaiian Ti Plant – zones 10+ garden plant
Hibiscus – zones 9-11 garden plant
Jade Plant – zones 9b-11 garden plant
Maidenhair Fern – tropical climate houseplant
Orchids – tropical climate houseplant
Palms – zone ranges varies by species
Philodendron – tropical climate houseplant
Pothos – tropical climate houseplant
Prayer Plant – tropical climate houseplant
Schefflera – tropical climate houseplant
Spider Plant – tropical climate houseplant

The zones denote the average annual minimum temperatures that the flowers and plants can withstand while still thriving well enough for an edible harvest. These ranges cover most frost-free locations but microclimates and other factors also play a role.

Bachelor’s Buttons – Zones 3-10
Bee Balm – Zones 3-7 Borage – Zones 3-10
Calendula – Zones 3-10
Chamomile – Zones 3-9
Chives – Zones 3-10
Cilantro – Zones 2-12
Cornflower – Zones 2-9
Dandelions – Zones 3-10
Daylilies – Zones 3-9
Hibiscus – Zones 4-10
Honeysuckle – Zones 4-10
Impatiens – Zones 10-11
Johnny Jump Ups – Zones 6-9
Lavender – Zones 5-8
Lemon Balm – Zones 3-8
Marigolds – Zones 3-11
Mints – Zones 5-11 depending on variety
Nasturtiums – Zones 2-11
Oregano – Zones 5-11
Pansies – Zones 4-9
Roses – Species dependent, zones 3-11 overall
Sage – Zones 5-10
Squash Blossoms – Zones 2-11 depending on variety
Sunflowers – Zones 2-11 Thyme – Zones 5-9
Violets – Zones 4-9

This covers a wide range of both culinary seasoning herbs like basil, oregano, thyme used for cooking along with herbal teas. Medicinal varieties provide health/wellness benefits. The zones indicate average annual minimum temperatures needed. Some are annual/biennial while many are perennial herbs lasting years.

Basil – Zones 10-11 (annual)
Bay leaves – Zones 8-11 (perennial)
Chives – Zones 3-10 (perennial)
Cilantro – Zones 3-11 (annual)
Dill – Zones 3-11 (annual)
Fennel – Zones 6-10 (perennial)
Garlic – Zones 6-9 (perennial)
Ginger – Zones 8-12, often grown as annual
Lavender – Zones 5-8 (perennial)
Lemon balm – Zones 3-7 (perennial)
Marjoram – Zones 8-11 (perennial)
Mint – Zones 5-11 depending on variety (perennial)
Oregano – Zones 5-11 depending on variety (perennial)
Parsley – Zones 2-11 (biennial)
Rosemary – Zones 7-10 (perennial)
Sage – Zones 5-10 (perennial)
Tarragon – Zones 4-9 (perennial)
Thyme – Zones 5-9 (perennial)

The hardiness zones indicate the average coldest annual minimum temperatures each ornamental plant can withstand while thriving enough to provide visual interest in gardens and flowerbeds.

Azaleas – Zones 6-9
Begonias – Zones 8-11
Butterfly Bush – Zones 5-9
Camellias – Zones 7-9
Chrysanthemums – Zones 5-9
Clematis – Zones 4-9
Coneflowers – Zones 4-9
Daffodils – Zones 3-8
Dahlias – Zones 8-11
Day-lilies – Zones 3-9
Forsythia – Zones 5-8
Gardenias – Zones 8-11
Geraniums – Zones dependent on type
Hollyhocks – Zones 3-8
Hyacinths – Zones 4-8
Hydrangea – Zones 3-7
Irises – Zones 3-10
Lantana – Zones 8-10
Lavender – Zones 5-8
Lilies – Zones 4-9
Magnolia – Zones 5-9
Peonies – Zones 2-8
Petunias – Zones 10-11
Phlox – Zones 4-8
Poinsettias – Zones 9-11
Poppies – Zones dependent on type
Rhododendrons – Zones 4-7
Roses – Species dependent, zones 3-11 overall
Sunflowers – Zones 2-11
Tulips – Zones 3-8
Wisteria – Zones 5-9
Zinnias – Zones 2-11

Gardening and Plant Gear

Gardening Products

Information on the tools and products you need to create and maintain a beautiful and productive garden.

Plant Products

Information on the tools and products you need to get or keep all other types of plants, such as ornamentals, safety gear, and aquatic plants.

Gardening Basics Catalog

Open the index of information

Vegetables Catalog

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A picture of fruits on a table framed by the words Fruits Catalog

Fruit Catalog

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Herbs Catalog

Open the index of information

A picture of an apple orchard framed by the words Trees Catalog

Tree (Edibles) Catalog

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Aquatic Plants Catalog

Companion Planting Catalog

Container Garden Catalog

Edible Plants and Flowers Catalog

Fertilizer Catalog

House Plant Catalog

Hydroponics and Aeroponics Catalog

Indoor Garden Catalog

Medicinal Plants Catalog

Organic Gardening Catalog

Ornamental Plants Catalog

Pest Control Catalog

Plant Diseases Catalog

Plant Propagation Catalog

Poisonous Plants Catalog

Pollinator Plants Catalog

Seasonal Planting Catalog

The No-Fail Guide to starting seeds indoors.

Starting Seeds Indoors: The Beginner’s No-Fail Guide

ByKalli June 20, 2024June 20, 2024

Here is your seed-starting cheat code, which will allow you to grow a wider variety of plants and enjoy harvesting your delicious crops earlier and more often.