by Clarissa Goddard (8th)

This article is why you should learn more about plants! I think plants are really important to know about in case you ever get stuck in the woods, then you would REALLY wanna know your plants.

Tropical Plants- To grow tropical plants in a non-tropical environment, you must recreate their warm, humid habitat indoors or in a protected outdoor space by providing consistent warmth, ample humidity, bright light, and consistent, well-draining soil. Many tropical plants that you want to grow outside will have to be moved indoors before the first frost of winter so they don’t wilt and die.

Common Mushrooms- Good mushrooms for eating are Button, Oyster, Shiitake, and Morel mushrooms, while some poisonous and inedible mushrooms like the death cap mushroom are deadly and should be avoided. You should only eat mushrooms you sure are edible if you can identify them. Just move on, you REALLY shouldn’t take the risk. 

Poisonous Plants- There's no  way to automatically  know if a plant is poisonous; you have to do your research and identify it before eating  or touching it. Avoid plants with milky sap, spines, or hairs, but be aware that many safe and poisonous plants lack these features. HAVE 911 ON SPEED DIAL IF YOU PLAN ON TOUCHING A RANDOM PLANT.

Fruit Plants- Fruit plants need a spot with 6 to 8 hours of daily sunlight, well-draining soil, and good air circulation to thrive. Care involves regular, deep watering, annual pruning to promote fruit production, using good fertilizers, and watching  for pests and diseases.