Understanding Beech Leaf Disease
The fate of the American Beech tree hangs in the balance, but the resilience of nature and the determination of those invested in its preservation offer a glimmer of hope.
Understanding Beech Leaf Disease
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The Parts of a Plant: The Root System
The Parts of a Plant: The Root System
Roots are almost always underground, but these hidden systems are responsible for a range of functions from securing the plant in the soil to absorbing water and nutrients. You can think of the root system as the foundation of a building: it's what keeps the plant stable, nourished, and capable of growth throughout its life cycle.
Parts of a Plant and Their Functions: Introduction and Basic Terminology
Parts of a Plant and Their Functions: Introduction and Basic Terminology
Part one of an in-depth series. Getting your hands dirty in the garden or diving into botany can be a much richer experience when you understand the various parts of a plant and their functions.
Featured in Botany
What is Plant Blindness, and How Does it Affect You?
What is Plant Blindness, and How Does it Affect You?
Plant blindness is a term coined years ago, yet the phenomenon continues to affect humans. Unfortunately, conservation efforts, research, and studies ultimately depend on each individual one of us fighting it.
How Avocados Thrived When They Should Have Gone Extinct
How Avocados Thrived When They Should Have Gone Extinct
Did you know that humans are one of the only animals that can eat avocado? We are the reason this fruit is still around. Learn the history of the avocado here.
Ginseng Companion Plants
Ginseng Companion Plants
Ginseng has many “companion plants” that like to grow in similar conditions. These plants may be a sign of a nearby ginseng population, or as a sign of ideal site selection for cultivation. While solely looking for companion plants is not a foolproof way to find a...
Featured in Environment
The Bees in Your Backyard: Identifying Different Types of Bees
The Bees in Your Backyard: Identifying Different Types of Bees
There are so many more species of bee living within your local ecosystem than the common honeybee. Learning how to identify bees is one of the best ways you can get to know your backyard ecosystem a little bit better and begin overcoming any fear of the lovely insects you might have.
Citizen Reports Needed: The Nematode Project
Citizen Reports Needed: The Nematode Project
Today, I'm coming forward with the announcement of an independent study that will be publicized on this blog for the foreseeable future.
How to Use iNaturalist
How to Use iNaturalist
The naturalists of today may not spend most of their time sailing the seas and looking under crude microscopes, but there is still plenty to explore in the world. With the advancement of science comes an advancement in technology - which further aids science. While...
Featured in Gardening
What Are The Benefits of a Garden?
What Are The Benefits of a Garden?
For centuries, gardening has been apart of our lives. If it wasn’t to feed the household, it has been a hobby to bring the mind peace. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or are considering starting your own garden, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the many benefits of this relaxing activity.
Community Garden Benefits
Community Garden Benefits
There's something special about a community garden. It's a space where neighbors can come together to grow food, connect with the natural world, and build relationships. Community gardens are more than just a nice idea - they can actually be incredibly beneficial for both individuals and the local ecosystem.
What Is Ecological Planting?
What Is Ecological Planting?
Ecological planting is a transformative approach to land restoration that everyone can participate in. The focus of this growing movement is to utilize the resilience and genetic diversity of native flora to restore ecosystem relationships, creating healthier habitats for resilience in the face of change. But, what exactly does that mean?
Featured in Microgreens
The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selecting Microgreens Seeds
The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selecting Microgreens Seeds
Not only are they easy to grow, but they also pack a nutritious punch. However, before you start sprouting your first seed, you'll need to know how to select the right seeds and determine the correct amount to use for your growing setup.
Best Growing Mediums for Microgreens
Best Growing Mediums for Microgreens
What is the best growing mediums for microgreens, and how will it affect your overall yield? Do certain microgreens need certain soils? There are a lot of questions.
Fortunately, however, there are also a lot of answers despite indoor urban farming being a relatively new concept in agriculture.
Growing Microgreens for Profit
Growing Microgreens for Profit
Microgreens are the perfect urban farming solution to making a profit in a small space. Adaptable to small closet spaces or spare bedrooms, they don’t take up much room or require a lot of overhead, and they can produce delicious, intense flavors.
Featured in Reviews
Guide to Using Go Botany
Guide to Using Go Botany
There are many plant identification apps available online, but Go Botany is different. As a plant database, rather than an automatic detection app, it is the only resource dedicated to accurate self-guided identification of New England plants. Go Botany gives users...
12 Books for Naturalists in the New Year
12 Books for Naturalists in the New Year
There are so many books to read, so many possibilities. But which ones are good? See the HerbSpeak recommendations for the upcoming months!
New England Botanical Gardens to Visit This Year
New England Botanical Gardens to Visit This Year
New England has a range of habitats, making it a prime place for nature enthusiasts to spend their time. Unfortunately, it can also be a little difficult to find information about New England botanical gardens. In this list from HerbSpeak, explore several botanical...
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