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Definitions and Terms

Below are definitions of commonly used terms related to gardening, seed starting, and seed harvesting.

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Seed Starting Terms

Germination
The process by which a seed develops into a new plant, typically marked by the emergence of the radicle (embryonic root) and shoot (embryonic stem).

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Stratification
Exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions to simulate winter, break dormancy, and promote germination.

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Scarification
Mechanically or chemically breaking or weakening the seed coat to improve water absorption and hasten germination.

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Gardening Terms

Transplanting
Moving a plant from one growing environment to another, such as from a seed tray to a garden bed.

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Thinning
Selectively removing some seedlings or plants to give more space for the remaining ones to grow properly.

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Hardening Off
Gradually acclimating indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.

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Mulching
Applying organic or inorganic material around the base of plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

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Companion Planting
Planting different species together to provide mutual benefits such as pest control, better pollination, or nutrient sharing.

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Crop Rotation
Changing the types of crops grown in a specific area over seasons or years to prevent soil depletion and reduce pest and disease pressure.

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Seed Harvesting Terms

Seed Maturity
The point at which a seed has fully developed and is ready to be harvested.

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Seed Saving
Collecting seeds from plants for future planting, preserving genetic diversity and building locally adapted seed stock.

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Seed Cleaning
Separating seeds from surrounding plant material (such as chaff or fruit pulp) to prepare them for storage or planting.

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Seed Viability
A measure of a seed’s ability to germinate and produce a healthy plant, influenced by age, storage conditions, and genetic quality.

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Seed Dormancy
A state in which a viable seed cannot germinate despite favorable conditions, often due to a hard seed coat or chemical inhibitors.

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Winnowing
An agricultural method for separating seeds or grains from lighter plant material (chaff) using airflow.

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How Winnowing Works

1. The harvested seed material (seeds plus chaff) is first threshed to loosen seeds from plant material.

2. The mixture is placed on a shallow tray, basket, or other surface.

3. The winnower tosses the mixture gently or uses a fan/breeze.

   • Light chaff blows away.

   • Heavier seeds fall back onto the tray.

4. The process is repeated until the seeds are clean.

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Winnowing is still used worldwide in traditional farming, though modern combines perform threshing, winnowing, and collection automatically.

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