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Plant science for gardeners : essentials for growing better plants

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  • Author: Pavlis, Robert
    Contributor: Skulski, David
    Date:
    Created
    2022
    Summary:

    Plant Science for Gardeners is the key to growing better plants. This easy introduction to plant biology and chemistry gives you the knowledge and confidence to analyze problems, find solutions, and make better decisions in the garden to optimize plant health and productivity. Learn the science and ditch the rules!

    Contents:
    • 1. Plant basics
    • Cells
    • Xylem and phloem
    • Photosynthesis
    • Plant myth: Plants raise the oxygen level in homes
    • ATP and the energy cycle
    • Respiration
    • Meristematic cells
    • Classification of plants
    • 2. Roots
    • Root basics
    • Types of roots
    • Plant myth: Feeder roots are located under the dripline
    • Effect of gravity
    • Cut roots and side roots
    • Plant myth: Circulating roots to continue to circulate
    • Conditions that affect root growth
    • Plant myth: Transplant solutions grow better roots
    • Root growth in winter
    • Absorption of water and nutrients
    • Plant myth: Is soil pH important?
    • Roots and microbes
    • Plant myth: Purchased mycorrhizal fungi are good for plants
    • Plant myth: Roots grow toward water
    • The rhizosphere
    • 3. Stems
    • The outer structure of stems
    • Internal structure of stems
    • Trichomes
    • Buds
    • How stems grow
    • The importance of photosynthesis
    • Underground stems
    • Plant myth: Plant bulbs after the ground is frozen
    • Plant myth: Bearded iris should be planted with rhizome showing
    • 4. Leaves
    • Leaf structure
    • How sun affects leaves
    • Why are some leaves red?
    • Plant myth: Evergreen needles and oak leaves are acidic
    • Functionality of damaged leaves
    • Natural pesticides
    • Signaling between plants
    • Pest-proof leaves
    • Water stress and wilting leaves
    • Leaf abscission
    • Variegated leaves
    • 5. Flowers
    • Parts of a flower
    • Pollination
    • What causes flowering?
    • Why do plants not flower?
    • Plant myth: High phosphate grows more blooms
    • Tough love for plants
    • Attracting pollinators
    • Enjoy the bracts
    • Dioecious and monoecious plants
    • 6. Fruits and seeds
    • What is a fruit?
    • The importance of fruit
    • Different types of fruits
    • Fruit development
    • Seed development
    • Suckering tomato plants
    • Seeds from non-flowering plants
    • Soil seed bank
    • 7. The whole plant
    • Life cycle of plants
    • Plant dormancy
    • Movement of water
    • Movement of nutrients
    • Plant myth: Leaves can be used to ID nutrient deficiencies
    • Movement of sugars
    • Seasonal sharing of resources
    • Overcoming physical damage
    • How do plants get taller?
    • Following the sun
    • How light affects plant growth
    • Gravity
    • 8. Woody plants
    • What are woody plants?
    • Structure of woody stems
    • Where does wood come from?
    • Plant myth: Newly planted trees need to be staked
    • Storage of sugars
    • Taproots vs. fibrous roots
    • Composition of wood
    • Apical dominance
    • Healing damage
    • Plant myth: Damage on trees should be painted
    • Conifers
    • 9. Environmental Factors
    • Garden hardiness zones
    • Dealing with cold
    • Protecting plants from cold
    • Dealing with heat
    • Dealing with water extremes
    • Adaptability of plants
    • How climate change affects gardens
    • 10. Growing from seeds
    • When is seed mature
    • The seed germination process
    • The mysterious cotyledons
    • Why do seeds stay dormant?
    • Breaking dormancy
    • Plant myth: Seeds can have double dormancy
    • Seed storage
    • Best method for starting seeds indoors
    • 11. Selecting seeds
    • Basic genetics
    • Hybrids vs. heirlooms
    • GMO seeds
    • Days to maturity
    • Buying unusual seeds
    • 12. Vegetative reproduction
    • Natural vegetative reproduction
    • Rooted stems and leaves
    • Artificial vegetative reproduction
    • Plant myth: Homemade rooting hormones work well
    • Grafting
    • 13. Plant names
    • Why use botanical names?
    • Naming conventions
    • The proper way to name your plants.
    Genre:
    Gardening, Math and science, Instructional and educational works
    Subject(s): Botany | Gardening | Plants
    Original Publisher: Gabriola Island, BC, Canada, New Society Publishers
    Language(s): English
    ISBN: 9780865719736, 9781897408650