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
How Do Plants Absorb Water?
How Do Plants Absorb Water?
Have you ever wondered how a great redwood can bring water from its roots to its leaves? It can seem like a simple process for a small shrub or food crop, but the uptake and transport of water that defies gravity is a feat of natural engineering.
How Plants Reach for the Sun: Phototropism
How Plants Reach for the Sun: Phototropism
One of the earliest questions in botany was how plants knew where the sun was, and how they grew towards the light. With more attention on the plant world, it was found that all plants - not just sunflowers - reached for the sun.
This phenomenon is called phototropism, and in this HerbSpeak article, you will learn why plants experience phototropism, how it works, the effects of different types of light, and much more.
Why Native Plants Are Important
Why Native Plants Are Important
Over the last few years, a lot of people have begun turning to alternate methods of gardening. One ‘alternative’ method is planting native plants in lieu of the typical garden plants we might be familiar with today. Let’s take a look at why – and how – this can be...
Featured in Environment
Call for Beech Leaf & Soil Samples
Call for Beech Leaf & Soil Samples
Update 3/01/24 No longer accepting samples. Instead, please report images of both infected AND healthy beech trees using iNaturalist. These reports help scientists determine the timeline and path of spread, helping them discover any potential beech tree...
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.
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.
Featured in Gardening
What is a Child Garden?
What is a Child Garden?
The focus is often on creating an immersive and engaging experience that is tailored to the needs and interests of young children based on grade level.
When Does Ginseng Have Berries?
When Does Ginseng Have Berries?
When you think of the ginseng plant, you might think about the full plant in all its green and red beauty with the berries shiny and ready to be planted; but American ginseng doesn’t have berries most of the year. The beautiful red berries are only on the plant for a small window of time.
Where is Ginseng Most Commonly Found?
Where is Ginseng Most Commonly Found?
American ginseng has captivated the imagination of people for centuries, inextricably intertwined with humanity for as long as our history can recall. Today, it is under threat from several factors and relies on mindful conservation to ensure its long-term...
Featured in Microgreens
Packaging Microgreens: The Ultimate Guide
Packaging Microgreens: The Ultimate Guide
People who buy microgreens want to improve their diets in a sustainable way. If your packaging is the wrong shape, size, or material, you’ll struggle to turn a profit, let alone stay open for business. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll understand the importance of great packaging and the best options for every scenario.
Do You Need Trays with Holes for Microgreens?
Do You Need Trays with Holes for Microgreens?
In recent years, microgreens have become a popular choice for small-scale farmers for its ease of growing and fast turnaround. (1) Best of all, it doesn’t look like microgreens are going anywhere, as customers love them, too.“[…] quick-growing, high-yield crops...
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.
Featured in Reviews
4 Best Microgreen Trays Compared
4 Best Microgreen Trays Compared
In this article, HerbSpeak will cover the pros and cons of several popular microgreens trays to help you decide which one is right for you – and which ones just aren’t worth the money for what you’re looking for.
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!
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