Article: Garden smarts for every season! (The Vegetable Patch).(places where plants can grow; day lily care tips)

Dear Dr. Orvis:

I have pondered and wondered, why do seeds have to grow in soil? Why can't they grow in water, or grass, or even the countertop? Also, what is in the seeds that causes the plants to grow? Thank you!

 
Lizzie McGuire 
Lake Wales, Florida 

Dear Lizzie:

Surprise! Seeds CAN grow in water, the grass, or even rocks. There are many ways to cultivate (KULL-ti-vate: grow and nurture) plants. Plants can be grown in a nutrient solution (basically plant food dissolved in water). We call this hydroponics (hi-dro-PON-iks).

Plants can grow in extreme locations too, for example high up on rocks and ledges. A plant needs to anchor ...

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