Cloche: A low portable unit constructed of glass or rigid-plastic panes on a wire frame; used for the protection of plants and to advance growth. The term is also applied to plastic film stretched over wire hoops, a construction alternative known as a low continuous polythene tunnel.
Crown: (1) a corona; (2) a collective tern for the main stem divisions and foliage of a tree or shrub and the branching pattern and overall habit that they assume (i.e. domed, spreading, narrowly conical); (3) the basal portions of a herbaceous plant, usually where root or rhizome and aerial stems or resting buds meet; (4) a length of rhizome with a strong terminal bud, used for propagation as, for example, with Convallaria; (5) the head of a single-stemmed tree-like plant or shrub bearing a distinct apical whorl, rosette or flush of foliage; (6) the leaves and terminal buds of a low-growing plant when arranged in a fashion resembling that of the larger plants mentioned under (5), for example, many ferns.
Drill: Usually refers to a shallow furrow or groove made in cultivated soil for the sowing of seeds, or for the planting of young transplants. But can also refer to the range of machines and implements used for sowing seed at the correct depth. Also, therefore, ‘drilling’, as the process of seed sowing.
Fleece (horticultural): A soft fibrous, spun plastic, used to raise temperature in a variety of settings (e.g. to warm the soil before planting, to insulate the greenhouse, or to protect non-hardy plants from the cold). Fleece films allow the penetration of air and rain, and, when carefully anchored, also provide a barrier against aphids, root flies, bulb flies, moths and butterflies.
In-the-green: A descriptive term applied to bulbs that are transplanted while they still have leaves. This method is often used for bulbs that resent drying out, such as snowdrops (Galanthus), snowflakes (Leucojum), winter aconites (Eranthis), wood anemones (Anemone nemorosa) and hardy cyclamen.
Pollination: The transfer of pollen grains from a male anther to a female stigma either within the same flower, or between two different flowers. Pollination is usually followed by fertilisation and seed production. Gardeners can intervene to improve the pollination of peach, squash, courgette and melon flowers by using a soft brush or rabbit’s tail to transfer pollen between flowers - this is called hand pollination. Hand pollination is a way of making controlled crosses during plant breeding programmes.
Seedbed: An area of soil prepared for seed sowing. Initial digging, followed by firming and raking, provide a level, fine tilth (surface structure). This ensures good soil aeration and water penetration, and allows the sowing of seeds at a consistent depth. A stale seedbed is a seedbed that is prepared and then left unsown for a period, to allow weed seeds to germinate. The weeds are destroyed when young, with minimal disturbance to the seedbed, perhaps using weedkiller. The crop can then be sown knowing there will be reduced competition from weeds, and less need for hand weeding during the early stages of growth.