What is Primer Paint?

Primer paint is a special base coat you apply before regular paint to help it stick better and last longer on surfaces like wood, metal, or walls.

Why is Primer Important?

Primer acts like a foundation for your paint job. It prepares the surface so your final color looks smoother, brighter, and stays on longer. Think of it like applying moisturizer before makeup—it helps everything look better and last!

• Better adhesion: Primer helps the paint grip the surface instead of peeling off later.
• Longer-lasting results: Your paint won’t crack, chip, or fade as quickly.
• Hides stains and dark colors: Primer creates a clean slate so your new color looks even.
• Prevents blotchiness: Especially on porous surfaces like wood or drywall.

Example

Let’s say you’re painting an old wooden flower box. If you paint it without primer, the wood might soak up the paint unevenly and the color could look dull or patchy.

But if you first apply a coat of primer paint, it seals the wood and creates a smooth surface. Then, when you paint your final color—like sunny yellow or bright green—it goes on evenly and stays vibrant for a long time.

Tip for Beginners

If you're painting over a dark color or a tricky surface (like glossy trim or metal), using primer first can save you time and give a much better result. There are also combination paints with primer built-in, but for big jobs or raw surfaces, separate primer works best!

Stay tuned to The Garden Glossary for more simple DIY and gardening tips!

What is a Perennial Plant?

A perennial plant is one that lives for more than two years, coming back year after year—usually blooming each season once it’s mature.

Why are Perennials Important?

Perennials are a great choice for beginner gardeners because you plant them once and enjoy them for years to come. Unlike annuals, which die after one season, perennials return on their own—saving you time, money, and effort.

• Long-lasting beauty: They bloom year after year without needing to be replanted.
• Low maintenance: Many perennials need less care once they’re established.
• Cost-effective: You don’t have to buy new plants every season.
• Great for pollinators: Many attract bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects.

Example

One of the most popular perennials is the daylily. You plant it once, and every summer it sends up beautiful, colorful flowers that return year after year—even if you don’t do much to it.

Another common example is lavender. After planting, it will grow back each spring with fragrant purple blooms that are loved by bees and gardeners alike.

Tip for Beginners

Start your garden with a mix of perennials and annuals. Perennials give you long-term structure and beauty, while annuals add extra pops of seasonal color. Look for beginner-friendly perennials like black-eyed Susans, hostas, and coneflowers!

Keep following The Garden Glossary to grow your gardening know-how—one term at a time!

What is Drywall?

Drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum (a soft mineral) sandwiched between two sheets of thick paper. It’s used to build interior walls and ceilings in homes and buildings.

Why is Drywall Important?

Drywall is one of the most common materials used in modern construction. It’s popular because it’s quick to install, affordable, and provides a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering.

• Easy to work with: It cuts easily and can be installed quickly with screws or nails.
• Cost-effective: Compared to traditional plaster walls, drywall saves time and money.
• Great finish: Once seams and screw holes are covered with joint compound (also called “mud”), the surface looks clean and smooth.
• Fire resistance: Since it contains water in the gypsum, drywall helps slow down the spread of fire.

Example

Imagine you’re remodeling a bedroom. After framing the walls with wooden studs, sheets of drywall are cut to fit and attached to the studs with screws. Then, the seams between the sheets are taped and covered with joint compound. After a bit of sanding and painting, the room has smooth, finished walls—ready for decorating!

Tip for Beginners

If you're doing home projects, look for “standard 1/2 inch drywall” for most interior walls. For bathrooms or kitchens, ask for “moisture-resistant” drywall (often green or purple in color) to handle humidity better.

Stay tuned to The Garden Glossary for more easy-to-understand home and garden tips!

What is Deadheading a Plant?

Deadheading is the process of removing faded or dead flowers from a plant to encourage it to produce more blooms and stay healthy.

Why is Deadheading Important?

Even though a flower may look "done," the plant still spends energy on it—especially if it's starting to form seeds. By removing these spent blooms, you're telling the plant, “Hey! Keep flowering instead!”

• More flowers: Your plant will focus on growing new blooms instead of making seeds.
• Neater appearance: Deadheading keeps your garden looking tidy and fresh.
• Healthier plant: Removing dying parts helps prevent disease and pests.
• Less unwanted spreading: Some plants will drop seeds and grow where you don’t want them. Deadheading stops this from happening.

Example

Let’s say you’re growing marigolds in your flower bed. After a bloom fades and turns brown, gently pinch or cut it off right above the next set of leaves. This tells the marigold to grow new flowers instead of using energy to make seeds.

For roses, wait until a flower looks wilted or dry. Cut the stem back to just above a leaf with five leaflets (usually about 6 inches below the bloom). This encourages the rose bush to grow more beautiful flowers.

Tip for Beginners

Deadheading is easy and doesn’t take long. Try walking around your garden once or twice a week with a small pair of garden scissors—or just your fingers—and snip away those faded blooms. Your plants will thank you with more color and life!

Stay tuned to The Garden Glossary for more easy gardening tips!