Hand lining

To fish by hook and line, without using a pole.

Heifer

A young dairy or beef animal that has not had a calf.

Heirloom

A time-tested, open pollinated vegetable. Heirloom varieties are those which were introduced before 1950. They are often of European descent and are passed down from generation to generation. The propagation of heirloom vegetables helps to preserve bio-diversity.

Herb

A plant grown for its flavoring or medicinal properties.

Herbicides

Used to control weeds. There are both synthetic and organic herbicides. Organic herbicides are derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources. Synthetic herbicides are created from man made chemicals.

Holistic Management

A sustainable way to enhance quality of life and the environment. Holistic Management is based on creating a new decision making process that emphasizes a clear focused vision for the future. Holistic management is employed by people in a variety of occupations to reach goals in the most economically, environmentally, and socially sound way. This concept is attributed to Alan Savory. For more information, we recommend www.holisticmanagement.org.

Homogenized

Refers to milk that has had the fat globules, which would normally float to the top, broken down and evenly distributed. This process involves shooting the milk through a small nozzle in order to break down the larger fat particles.

Hormone-Free

Animals that are not injected with or fed growth hormones. Hormones are given to animals for many reasons, including speeding growth in beef cattle and increasing milk production in dairy cows.

Humus

Finished compost, formed through the break down of plants and animal matter. Humus retains and slowly releases nutrients to plants.

Hydroponics

The cultivation of plants without soil using nutrient solutions of water and fertilizer. Plants are often grown in sand, gravel, peat, vermiculite, rock wool, or perlite.