Glossary

AGM
Aspect
Bacteria
Basal
Biological controls
Botanical name
Bottom heat
Bud
Bulbs and corms
Camellia inflorescence types
Carl Linnaeus
Cloche
Cold frame
Coming true from seed
Common name
Container compost mixes
Daffodil divisions
Dibber and widger
Dormancy (plant)
Frost pocket
Fruits
Fungus
Germination
Ground cover
Growth rate
Hardening off
Hermaphrodite/monoecious/dioecious
Honeydew
Hormone rooting compound
In the green
Inorganic growing media
Insect pest lifecycles
Leader
Lime lovers and lime haters
Meristem
Mycorrhizae
Naturalising (or naturalizing)
Old wood
Organic matter
Other useful information
Parthenocarpy
Parthenogenesis
Parts of a flower
Parts of a leaf
Parts of a stem
Photosynthesis and respiration
Plant types
Planting out
Pollination and fertilisation
Propagator
Rhizome
RHS
Rootstock
Rose classification
Sap
Scion
Scorch
Seedhead
Self-seed
Sport
Structure of seeds
Sucker
The plant's transportation systems
Thorns, spines and prickles
True leaves
Tulip classification
Variegation
Vector
Virus
Woody stem symptoms

Lime lovers and lime haters

Different plants require different pH levels within their growing medium (be that the soil or a potting compost). Mostly plants are happy with a neutral pH between pH6.5 and 7, however others prefer more acidic or more alkaline conditions.

Those preferring more acidic conditions are called ericaceous, acid loving, lime hating or calcifuge plants. They prefer a pH lower than 6.5 and will not grow in alkaline soil.

Those preferring more alkaline conditions are called lime loving or calcicole plants. They prefer a pH higher than 7 and will not grow in acidic soil.

Below are examples of each type of plant:

Lime lovers

Celery
Daffodils
Lettuce
Brassicas (cabbage crops)

Lime haters

Rhododendrons
Ericas (heathers)
Blueberries
Camellias
Azaleas