A mineral used in potting mix to retain moisture and provide aeration.

Soil with pH less than 7.0. Raise soil pH (lower acidity and raise alkalinity) by adding lime.

To loosen compacted soil to allow oxygen, water and nutrients to get below the surface. Punch holes into the lawn or remove plugs of soil from the lawn to aerate.

Organic substances added to the soil to improve moisture retention, oxygen level and nutritive content.

Soil that has a pH more than 7.0. Lower soil pH (raise acidity and lower alkalinity) by adding sulfur.

A plant that completes its life cycle in a single year.

Insects that look like black, yellow, green or white grains of rice. Aphids suck the juices of new growth on plants.

Apical buds, also called terminal buds, are at the tip of a plant stem.

A method of plant preparation in which the entire root system is contained inside a ball of soil and wrapped in burlap for protection.

Dormant plants sold with the roots loose rather than contained in a wrapped soil ball or container.