Introduction to Plant Biology for Gardeners

Plant biology is the study of plant life. As a gardener, it is important to have an understanding of how plants grow and function. We could not survive without plants and depend on them for food, fossil fuels, lumber, fibers, medicines, paper, latex, resin, cork, spices, fragrances and dyes. After gaining an understanding of plant structure and function, you will be able to translate these skills into more complex gardening topics. (Sourced from University of Maryland Master Gardener Handbook, pg. 27)

In this section you will:

  • Recognize the parts of a plant and their functions.
  • Discover the ways plants are classified into family groups and the value of scientific names.
  • Become familiar with the environmental factors that affect plant germination, growth and phenology (spacing, nutrients, light, day length, water, temperature).
  • Examine the three basic processes for plant growth and development: photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration.
  • Consider how plant characteristics are used in classification, identification and dichotomous keys.

Next, click on the button below for the readings on this topic.