Gardening Glossary
Definitions for gardening terms that start with L
- lath
A structure, typically made of thin strips of wood, that helps shade plants from direct sunlight.
- layering
A method of plant propagation where a branch or stem is encourages to grow roots while still attached to the parent plant. The term refers to the fact that frequently the branch is “layered” under dirt.
- leach
When water washes away the essential nutrients from soil.
- leaf mold
Compost that s made up entirely of decomposed leaves.
- leggy
Abnormally long growth on a plant that causes it to be floppy. Frequently caused by lack of sufficient sunlight.
- limestone
A mineral added to the soil that helps to raise the pH.
- lime sulfur
A fungicide and miticide made up of calcium and sulfur. It is highly corrosive and should be handled carefully.
- limey soil
Soil that has a high concentration of limestone or lime, and because of this, typically has a high pH.
- loam
Considered to be one of the best kinds of soil, it contains a near equal mix of clay, silt, sand and organic material.
