Basics should Know Before Starting Your Garden.pptx

basics of gardening

1. Basic Terms Should Know to Every Gardener

2. Plant-Related Terms

3. Annuals : Plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. Perennials : Plants that live for more than two years, often flowering annually. Biennials : Plants that take two years to complete their life cycle, flowering in the second year. Evergreen : Plants that retain their leaves throughout the year. Deciduous : Plants that shed their leaves annually. Groundcover : Low-growing plants that spread to cover the soil, preventing weeds and erosion. Shrub : A woody plant smaller than a tree, often with multiple stems. Tree : A tall, woody plant with a single main stem or trunk. Hardiness Zone : A geographic area defined by climatic conditions, particularly minimum temperatures, used to determine plant suitability. Native Plants : Plants that are naturally occurring in a specific region and are adapted to the local environment.

4. Annuals Annual plants complete their entire life cycle—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season. After flowering and setting seed, they die. Gardeners often choose annuals for their vibrant colors, fast growth, and their ability to fill gaps in flower beds and borders. Here are some key aspects and examples of popular annual plants:

5. Characteristics of Annual Plants Lifecycle : Complete their life cycle in one season. Bloom Time : Often bloom prolifically, providing color throughout their growing season. Variety : Available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Uses : Ideal for bedding, containers, hanging baskets, and filling gaps in perennial borders. Maintenance : Generally require regular watering, fertilizing, and deadheading to promote continuous blooming.

6. Annual Plants examples Plant Name Type Color Sun Soil Marigold (Tagetes spp.) Flowering Yellow, orange, red Full sun Well-drained Petunia (Petunia spp.) Flowering Various shades of white, pink, purple, blue, and red Full sun to partial shade Well-drained Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) Flowering White, pink, red, purple, orange Partial shade to full shade Moist, well-drained Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) Flowering Wide range including pink, red, yellow, orange, white Full sun Well-drained Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) Flowering White, pink, purple, red Full sun Well-drained Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) Flowering Varied, including yellow, pink, red, orange, white Full sun Well-drained Begonia (Begonia spp.) Flowering Red, pink, white, orange Partial shade to full shade Moist, well-drained Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) Flowering White, purple, pink Full sun to partial shade Well-drained Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) Flowering Red, pink, white, purple Full sun to partial shade Well-drained Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Flowering Yellow, red, orange, bi-color Full sun Well-drained Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) Foliage Varied foliage in shades of green, yellow, pink, red, maroon Full sun to full shade Well-drained Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima) Foliage Silvery-gray foliage Full sun Well-drained

7. Growing Tips for Annuals Planting Time : Plant after the last frost date in your area for spring and summer annuals. Watering : Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilizing : Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks to encourage vigorous growth and blooming. Deadheading : Remove spent flowers to promote new blooms. Pest Control : Monitor for common pests like aphids and caterpillars and treat as necessary.

8. Advantages of Using Annuals Instant Color : Provide immediate and continuous color in the garden. Flexibility : Allow for annual redesigns of garden spaces. Extended Bloom Time : Many annuals bloom from spring through fall, offering long-lasting beauty. Versatility : Can be used in various garden settings, including beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets.

9. Biennials Biennial plants complete their life cycle in two years, typically growing leaves in the first year and flowering in the second year.

10. Plant and Growth Terms Bulb : An underground storage organ from which certain plants grow, such as tulips and daffodils. Corm : A swollen underground plant stem used for storage, like those of gladiolus. Rhizome : An underground horizontal stem that produces new shoots and roots, found in plants like irises and bamboo. Tubers : Thickened underground stems or roots, such as potatoes, used for storage and reproduction. Climbers : Plants that grow upwards by attaching themselves to supports using tendrils, aerial roots, or twining stems. Vines : Plants with long, trailing stems that can climb or spread across the ground. Epiphytes : Plants that grow on other plants but are not parasitic, such as orchids and bromeliads. Herbaceous : Non-woody plants that die back to the ground each year. Woody : Plants with hard stems that persist year-round, such as trees and shrubs.

11. Biennials Plant Name Color Sun Soil Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Various shades of pink, purple, white Full sun to partial shade Well-drained Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) Various colors including pink, red, white, yellow, purple Full sun Well-drained Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) Blue, pink, white Full sun to partial shade Well-drained Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) Red, pink, white, bicolor Full sun to partial shade Well-drained Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Yellow with dark brown center Full sun Well-drained Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Green (foliage) Full sun to partial shade Moist, well-drained Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Yellow Full sun Well-drained, sandy Silverbeet (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) Green (foliage) Full sun Well-drained Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) Purple, lavender Full sun Well-drained Angelica (Angelica archangelica ) Greenish-white Full sun to partial shade Moist, well-drained

12. Perenials Perennial plants live for more than two years, often flowering and producing seeds multiple times throughout their lifespan.

13. Plant Name Color Sun Soil Daylily ( Hemerocallis ) Various shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, purple Full sun to partial shade Well-drained Hosta (Hosta spp.) Green, variegated foliage, lavender or white flowers Partial to full shade Moist, well-drained Peony (Paeonia spp.) Pink, red, white, yellow Full sun to partial shade Well-drained, rich Lavender ( Lavandula spp.) Purple, lavender, white Full sun Well-drained, sandy Coneflower (Echinacea spp.) Purple, pink, white, yellow Full sun Well-drained Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) Yellow with dark brown center Full sun Well-drained Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis ) Pink, white Partial shade Moist, well-drained Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) Yellow, pink, red Full sun Well-drained Phlox (Phlox paniculata) Pink, white, red, purple Full sun to partial shade Moist, well-drained Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum) White with yellow center Full sun Well-drained Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) Lavender-blue Full sun Well-drained, dry Sedum (Sedum spp.) Pink, red, yellow, white Full sun to partial shade Well-drained, sandy Astilbe (Astilbe spp.) Pink, red, white Partial to full shade Moist, well-drained Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) Pink, blue, white, purple Partial shade Moist, well-drained, rich Iris (Iris spp.) Various colors Full sun to partial shade Well-drained

14. Decidious and evergreen tree

15. Evergreen Trees Deciduous Trees Pine (Pinus spp.) Maple (Acer spp.) Spruce (Picea spp.) Oak (Quercus spp.) Fir (Abies spp.) Birch (Betula spp.) Cedar (Cedrus spp.) Ash (Fraxinus spp.) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) Elm (Ulmus spp.) Holly (Ilex spp.) Beech (Fagus spp.) Olive (Olea europaea) Cherry (Prunus spp.) Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Willow (Salix spp.) Cypress (Cupressus spp.) Poplar (Populus spp.) Juniper (Juniperus spp.) Hickory ( Carya spp.)

16. Tree Type Common Trees in Maharashtra Evergreen Mango ( Mangifera indica ) Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Bamboo (Bambusoideae family) Neem (Azadirachta indica) Teak (Tectona grandis) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) Evergreen Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) Pine (Pinus spp.) Deciduous Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) Peepal (Ficus religiosa) Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) Gulmohar (Delonix regia) Indian Beech (Pongamia pinnata) Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) Champa ( Michelia champaca ) Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Pongamia ( Pongamia pinnata )

17. Ground Cover Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally to cover the ground. They are often used to reduce soil erosion, suppress weeds, and provide a lush, green carpet in gardens. Here’s a list of common ground cover plants:

18. Type Common Name Scientific Name Characteristics Herbaceous Creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia Fast-growing, golden-yellow foliage Periwinkle Vinca minor Glossy green leaves, blue or purple flowers Ajuga Ajuga reptans Dense foliage, blue or purple spikes Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum Fragrant leaves, white star-shaped flowers Lamb’s Ear Stachys byzantina Soft, woolly leaves, spikes of purple flowers Grass-like Creeping Thyme Thymus serpyllum Aromatic foliage, tiny purple flowers Blue Fescue Festuca glauca Blue-gray foliage, clump-forming Sedum (Stonecrop) Sedum spp. Succulent leaves, varied flower colors Japanese Blood Grass Imperata cylindrica Red-tinted grass, adds height and color Vine-like Creeping Charlie Glechoma hederacea Fast-spreading, round leaves, purple flowers Trumpet Creeper Campsis radicans Vigorous vine, large orange trumpet-shaped flowers Boston Ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata Deciduous, turns red in fall Moss-like Irish Moss Sagina subulata Dense, moss-like mat, tiny white flowers Cushion Moss Leucobryum glaucum Bright green cushions, ideal for shade

19. Construction and Installation Terms Hardscape Installation : The process of constructing non-plant elements in a garden, such as paths, walls, and patios. Softscape Installation : The process of planting and installing living elements in a garden. Grading : The process of leveling or sloping the ground to prepare for planting or hardscape installation. Excavation : The process of digging and removing soil to prepare for construction or planting. Drainage : The system or method used to remove excess water from soil or a garden area.

20. Soil and Irrigation Terms Loam : A soil type with a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, ideal for gardening. Compost : Decomposed organic matter used to enrich soil. Mulch : A layer of material (such as wood chips, straw, or compost) applied to the soil surface to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. pH : A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity, with 7 being neutral. Most plants prefer a pH between 6 and 7. Drip Irrigation : A water-efficient irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes or hoses. Soaker Hose : A perforated hose that slowly releases water along its length, ideal for watering garden beds.

21. Soil and Fertilization Terms Topsoil : The uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic matter and nutrients. Subsoil : The layer of soil beneath the topsoil, often less fertile. Clay Soil : Soil with a high clay content, known for its dense and sticky texture. Sandy Soil : Soil with a high sand content, known for its loose texture and good drainage. Silty Soil : Soil with a high silt content, smooth to the touch and fertile. Organic Matter : Decomposed plant and animal materials in the soil, important for soil fertility. Nutrient Deficiency : A lack of essential nutrients in the soil, leading to poor plant health. NPK : An acronym for the primary nutrients needed by plants: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

22. Planting and Maintenance Terms Transplanting : Moving a plant from one location to another. Pruning : The selective removal of plant parts to improve health, control growth, or enhance flowering. Deadheading : The removal of spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent seed production. Staking : Supporting plants with stakes to keep them upright. Thinning : Removing excess seedlings or branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Weeding : Removing unwanted plants that compete with desirable plants for nutrients, water, and light.

23. Design Principles Terms Focal Point : A prominent feature in the garden that draws attention. Symmetry : Balanced proportions on either side of a central line. Asymmetry : A design balance achieved without mirror image symmetry, often more natural and informal. Texture : The visual and tactile quality of a plant or hardscape surface. Color Scheme : The planned combination of colors in a landscape to create a desired effect. Form : The shape and structure of plants and garden features.

24. Lighting Terms Uplighting : Lights placed on the ground pointing upward to highlight plants or architectural features. Downlighting : Lights placed above an area pointing downward, often used for safety and security.

25. Irrigation and Water Management Terms Sprinkler System : An irrigation system that sprays water over the garden, mimicking rainfall. Rain Garden : A planted depression that allows rainwater runoff to be absorbed, reducing erosion and improving water quality. Watering Can : A portable container with a spout used for manually watering plants. Rain Barrel : A container used to collect and store rainwater from roofs for garden use. Greywater : Recycled household water (excluding sewage) used for irrigation.

26. Landscape Features Terms Retaining Wall : A structure designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion on slopes. Rock Garden : A garden area designed with rocks and alpine plants to mimic a natural mountainous environment. Terrace : A flat, leveled section of a garden on a slope, often supported by retaining walls. Water Feature : Any water element in a garden, such as a pond, fountain, or waterfall. Zen Garden : A minimalist, dry landscape garden originating from Japan, often featuring gravel, rocks, and minimal plantings.

27. Plant Health and Protection Terms Pest : Any organism that damages plants, such as insects, rodents, or fungi. Disease : Any abnormal condition in plants caused by pathogens like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) : A sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools. Fungicide : A chemical substance used to kill or inhibit fungi. Herbicide : A chemical substance used to kill unwanted plants or weeds. Insecticide : A chemical substance used to kill insects.

28. Seasonal and Maintenance Terms Dormancy : A period when a plant's growth and activity slow down, typically in winter. Frost Dates : The estimated dates of the first and last frosts in a given area, important for planting schedules. Hardening Off : The process of gradually acclimating plants to outdoor conditions before planting them outside. Overwintering : Protecting plants during the winter to ensure their survival and regrowth in spring. Seasonal Interest : Plants or garden features that provide visual appeal during different seasons of the year.

29. Landscape Design Terms Landscape Architecture : The professional practice of designing outdoor areas, landmarks, and structures to achieve environmental, social-behavioral, and aesthetic outcomes. Landscape Design : The art and process of planning and creating outdoor spaces, focusing on the arrangement and organization of elements to achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Landscape Plan : A detailed drawing or blueprint that outlines the design of a landscape, including plant locations, hardscape elements, and other features. Landscape Architect : A professional who designs outdoor spaces and landscapes, often with formal education and certification. Concept Plan : An initial design layout that provides an overview of the landscape design, including the general arrangement of elements. Site Analysis : The process of evaluating the existing conditions of a site, including topography, soil, climate, and existing vegetation, to inform the design process. Master Plan : A comprehensive long-term plan that outlines the vision for a large-scale landscape project, often broken down into phases. Bubble Diagram : A conceptual tool used in landscape design to illustrate the general arrangement of spaces and elements without detailed specifics.