Last week we learned about Botany. I had no idea that Botany was important to my garden. I think it will be a challenge for me to remember but it was interesting to learn "plant language." There are many methods for identifying or grouping plants for communication. It divides the plant kingdom into groups that are less and less inclusive. For example:
Tomato
Lycopersicon esculentum L. Big Boy
Order Solanales
Family Solanaceae
Genus Lycopersicon
Species Esculentum
Botanical variety Esculentum
Naming Authority L. for Linnaeua
Cultivar Big Boy
OK. Well I was lost after that. I had no idea that a Big Boy tomato could have so many names. I got a little stressed about the final exam after learning that each plant has several descriptive names. It helps with confusion over multiple plants with the same common names, but I think I'm ok with that at this point. lol Sorry I can't explain much more about the very diverse topic of Botany. I'm sure it is very important but at this time I think my brain is full.
We also learned about the Gross Anatomy of plants. There are the roots, stems, leaves, and reproductive organs. After looking at the prior items in microscopic terms, it is really neat how God made so many different plants! We even covered a section on chemistry and plant energy. Wow! I thought I was going to learn how to make cabbage grow better but I think we will be so prepared to do so much more! It was fun.
This week we cover Soils with J. Stevens, a Soils Specialist from the LSU Ag Center. I am so interested in this topic because I always heard the old timers talk of their gardens and wondered what on earth they were talking about when they added triple 13 every year. The three thirteens stand for different minerals. You may laugh but I had no idea what they meant. I just use composted chicken litter but I later found out that I need other minerals to supplement that! Who knew? I hope I can better explain my soils lecture. I hope I understand it ! Have a Blessed Evening
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