Herbs
Can you plant different herbs together?
Yes, but only if they share similar watering and sunlight needs. For example, thyme, rosemary, and sage prefer drier soil, while basil and parsley need steady moisture.
What three main things do plants need to grow?
Plants need water, sunlight, and the right temperature (or nutrients from soil) to survive and grow.
What is the scientific name for the common sunflower?
Helianthus annuus. The name comes from the Greek words helios (sun) and anthos (flower), while annuus means it completes its life cycle in one year.
What is the tallest tree species in the world?
The Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) holds the record for being the tallest tree species, often growing over 300 feet tall.
What is the main job of a plant's roots?
Roots anchor the plant firmly in the soil and absorb water and minerals from the ground to pass up to the rest of the plant.
What is the difference between an herb and a spice?
Herbs come from the green, leafy parts of a plant. Spices come from other parts of the plant, such as the roots, bark, seeds, or fruit.
What is the name of the process that plants use to make their own food?
photosynthesis. Plants use energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create food.
Which flower was once more costly than gold in 17th-century Holland?
Tulip. During a period known as "Tulip Mania," single rare bulbs sold for more than the price of a luxurious house or a large amount of gold.
What is the difference between deciduous and evergreen trees?
Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually (usually in the autumn), while evergreen trees keep their green leaves or needles all year round.
How does the stem help a plant survive?
The stem supports the plant above ground and contains specialized tubes (xylem and phloem) that carry water, nutrients, and food between the roots and the leaves.
Can you plant different herbs together in the same pot or garden bed?
Yes, but you must group plants with the same water and soil needs together. For example, rosemary, thyme, and sage prefer drier soil, while basil and parsley need more moisture.
Which part of a plant absorbs sunlight to help make food?
Leaves. They capture light energy from the sun.
Which common cut flower is known to last the longest in a vase, sometimes up to four weeks?
The Chrysanthemum. Carnations, orchids, and lilies are also long-lasting runners-up that can survive for two to three weeks with fresh water.
What tree do acorns come from?
Acorns are the nuts produced by Oak trees (Quercus).
Why are leaves important to a plant?
Leaves act as the plant's food factory. They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food through a process called photosynthesis, aided by the green pigment chlorophyll.
Which common herb is considered invasive and should be planted in its own container?
Mint is very invasive and will quickly crowd out other plants. It is best to plant mint in its own separate pot.
Are there any carnivorous (meat-eating) plants?
Yes. An example is the Venus flytrap, which snaps shut to catch insects.
Vanilla flavoring comes from the seed pods of which type of flowering plant?
An Orchid. Specifically, it comes from the Vanilla planifolia orchid species, which produces edible pods after being pollinated
How do trees help combat climate change?
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, storing the carbon in their wood and releasing fresh oxygen.
What is the primary function of a flower?
Flowers are the reproductive organs of the plant. Their colorful petals attract pollinators like bees and butterflies so the plant can make seeds.
How do you stop culinary herbs from going to seed too quickly?
Regularly trim or harvest the plant and remove any flowers or stems that begin to bolt (go to seed) to encourage fresh, leafy growth.
What is the name of the scientific study of plant life?
Botany
What is the formal botanical name for the daffodil?
Narcissus. These bright yellow spring-blooming flowers belong to the amaryllis family.
What is the process called that pumps water from a tree's roots to its leaves?
This upward movement of water is called transpiration, where water travels up the trunk and evaporates through tiny pores in the leaves.
What role do fruits and seeds play?
The fruit develops from the flower to protect the growing seeds inside, and the seeds contain everything needed to grow a brand-new baby plant.