Site Glossary

Established in 1901, the BSI is the world’s first National Standards Body. It writes and endorses standards for business trading and practice, ranging from health and safety to environmental management and internet security. Many organic products, such as commercial composts, should embody BSI standards.

A herbicide (weed killer) used for the control of broadleaf weeds, especially thistles and clovers in lawns. Unfortunately it is known for its ability to persist, even in dead plants and in compost. Therefore it can affect plants which have been dressed by the affected compost. Aminopyralids are used by farmers as herbicides and are similarly persistent.

A method of changing where you grow individual vegetables from year to year. It helps maintain good soil structure, ensures an efficient use of nutrients, helps to control weeds, and prevents a build-up of pests and diseases.

Find out more about crop rotation.

This is a variety deliberately created by crossing two different parent varieties. By combining their genetic material, the breeder creates a seed which inherits particular characteristics from the parent plants. This could be disease resistance, for instance, or exceptional taste, size or colour.

Pollination is done under strictly controlled conditions.

F1 hybrid seeds often show vigour in growth. However, the seeds saved from F1 hybrid plants will not produce a plant with the same characteristics of the parent. The whole breeding process has to be done annually.

Fungi are the main cause of disease in vegetable crops. They include blights, mildew etc. A fungicide is a chemical which kills fungi.

Glyphosate is a toxic herbicide used to kill weeds. It is not acceptable in organic growing.

Learn more about glyphosate.

Genetically Modified Organisms are plants or living objects which have been genetically engineered in a laboratory.

Find out more about Genetically Modified Organisms.

Green manures are plants which are grown to benefit the soil. They can improve soil fertility, by holding valuable nitrogen, and improve the soil structure by giving it better drainage or water retention. They also can suppress weeds and attract beneficial insects. They are sometimes called ‘cover crops’. 

Find out more about green manures.

This is usually made from a pile of decaying organic matter, such as well-rotted farmyard manure, which gets hot naturally from the metabolism of the microorganisms in the decomposing pile. They are usually made in a coldframe or greenhouse, where you can use this ‘free’ heat to start growing early in the year.

This is the website of the Health and Safety Executive, which authorises pesticides, as well as guidance on how to use pesticide products safely. It also gives information about controls over pesticide residues in food.

Find out more about HSE Pesticides Guidance.