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!
12 Books for Naturalists in the New Year
Recent Articles
View All by Most Recent
Ancient Plants from the Dawn of Time
Ancient Plants from the Dawn of Time
Millions of years ago, plants were the foundation of life as we know it today. So which ones are still around, and which are extinct? The answers might surprise you.
How to Connect with Nature
How to Connect with Nature
The routine of modern life can be toxic to human spirituality in any form - no matter what religion you do or do not prescribe to - especially when it comes to our connection to nature. In this HerbSpeak article, you’ll learn how to connect (or re-connect) with...
Featured in Botany
Red Oak VS White Oak: A Beginner Botanist’s Guide
Red Oak VS White Oak: A Beginner Botanist’s Guide
You might think that an oak is an oak, and there’s nothing else to it – but as a beginner botanist or curious naturalist, you might start to take a second look at those trees, however, and notice that they are all different. Red and white oaks are not just individual trees, but separate groups that contain different species. Fortunately, there's an easy way to tell them apart...
Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) Plant Profile
Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) Plant Profile
Mimosa pudica is an annual tropical plant native to South America, but has been established and thrives in many countries, of which it is most often considered invasive. It is most often grown as an ornamental, as it is a fast-growing leafy shrub.
Understanding Beech Leaf Disease
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.
Featured in Environment
When Climate Inaction Hurts (and What You Can Do)
When Climate Inaction Hurts (and What You Can Do)
Global change happens with local, individual action. In this article, you’ll learn about how inaction hurts and what you can do about the climate crisis today.
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
You should always try to use refined sugar in hummingbird feeders. This is the regular, pure white table sugar you can purchase at any grocery store. This sugar is pure sucrose, which mimics nectar when combined with water.
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.
Featured in Gardening
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?
How Old is a 4-Prong Ginseng Plant?
How Old is a 4-Prong Ginseng Plant?
A lot of states have regulated the harvest of ginseng plants to specific seasons, requiring a state license to collect the plant. Like other hunting seasons, there are stipulations for what you are allowed to collect – and what you are not. How Old is a 4-Prong...
Does Ginseng Come Up Every Year?
Does Ginseng Come Up Every Year?
As a steward or grower of ginseng, it’s important to look toward the future and know what to expect from this plant, especially as it takes multiple years to grow to maturity in the first place. Once you’ve learned how to identify the plant over the winter, you may...
Featured in Microgreens
Are Microgreens Still Profitable?
Are Microgreens Still Profitable?
Interested in getting into the microgreens market, but worried if they’ve lost their popularity and profitability? Learn what you need to know here.
The Benefits of Microgreens
The Benefits of Microgreens
You might be surprised that microgreens come packed with benefits. In this article, learn about the top 5 common benefits of eating and growing microgreens.
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.
Featured in Reviews
Review: The Green Planet by BBC Earth
Review: The Green Planet by BBC Earth
There is nothing not to love about the recent series from BBC Earth 'The Green Planet' narrated by David Attenborough. Originally airing in 2022, it was primarily celebrated in the UK as a groundbreaking series focused on the world from the perspective of plants. Unfortunately, it was not available in the United States, and as time went on, many of the potential audience forgot about this series. Now that it's available in the US - is it any good? Let's find out.
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...
24 of the Best Gifts for Gardeners Who Have Everything (Indoor and Outdoor)
24 of the Best Gifts for Gardeners Who Have Everything (Indoor and Outdoor)
In this shopping guide, HerbSpeak steps in to spread a little more holiday cheer by helping you choose the right gifts for the lucky recipient. No knowledge of gardening required!
Get Planty with HerbSpeak Emails
Take a break and photosynthesize a little. With monthly emails from HerbSpeak delivered right to your inbox, you can develop your botanical literacy in a way that is fun and accessible.
Life is plantier with HerbSpeak. Subscribe to email alerts today and stay up-to-date with the latest learning.