Cane Borer : An insect larva that tunnels and feeds on the core of the stem of plants such as roses.

Canker : A dead, discolored, often sunken area (lesion) on a root, trunk, stem, or branch. Canker is a general term for a large group of different plant diseases, characterised by the appearance of small areas of dead tissue, which grow slowly, often over a period of years.

Chelated : A compound that minerals are often converted to before their use as soil additives and fertilizers.

Chlorosis : A condition occuring when a plant reflects a deficiency of chlorophyll, leaves become yellowish with the veins remaining dark green. Mainly caused by too much water or not enough iron.

Cocoon : A sheath, usually of silk, formed by an insect larva as a chamber for pupation. A silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs.

Colloidal Phosphate(soft) : NPK 0-2-0. Best choice for alkaline soil and is faster releasing than rock phosphate.

Compost : Decomposed organic material used to enrich the soil. Completely decayed matter.

Composted Manure : Animal manure, such as cow manure, that has been naturally composted and has by this process killed pathogens and weed seed.

Cottonseed Meal : Fertilizer meal made from ground cottonseed. NPK 6-2-1. Best put into compost pile and cycled thru that process before using.

Crop Rotation : The successive planting of different crops on the same land to improve soil fertility and help control insects and diseases.

Cultivar : A specially developed agricultural plant variety. A variety of a plant developed from a natural species and maintained under cultivation.

Damping Off : Destruction of seedlings by one or a combination of pathogens that weaken the stem or root. A plant disease caused by a fungus; diseased condition of seedlings in excessive moisture.

Diatomaceous earth : An talc-like dust from skeletal remains of various minute, single-celled algae with cell walls consisting mainly of silica. Used as an insecticide and food supplement.

Dolomite : Made from dolomitic limestone,that contains both magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate, by a process of grinding. Added to soils lacking these minerals.

Dormant : To become inactive during winter or periods of cold weather.

Drip Irrigation : Is an irrigation method that applies water slowly to the roots of plants, by depositing the water either on the soil surface or directly to the root zone. Drip irrigation usually employs devices called emitters, which emit the water in a slow stream, and may also use devices called micro-sprinklers, which spray water in a small area.

Earthworm Castings : Earthworm excretions high in nutrients. One of the best organic fertilizers.

Entomophagous Nematodes : Nematodes that eat insects, Feeding on insects; insectivorous.

Epsom Salts : Hydrated magnesium sulfate. It is used as a fast acting source of magnesium and sulfur normally used as a soil amendment. Not a table salt.