Definitions and Terms

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

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).

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

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

Gardening Terms

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Seed Harvesting Terms

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Winnowing Works

The harvested seed material (seeds plus chaff) is first threshed to loosen seeds from plant material.
The mixture is placed on a shallow tray, basket, or other surface.
The winnower tosses the mixture gently or uses a fan/breeze.
- Light chaff blows away.
- Heavier seeds fall back onto the tray.
The process is repeated until the seeds are clean.

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