We're finally getting into high gear for the coming gardening season. Back in the day, I relied on a couple of dozen encyclopedic reference books, as well as a dozen or more specialty books (such as tomes on ferns, bulbs, perennials and annuals) to help me plan my garden each year. While I spent many a happy hour daydreaming in the cooler months, it was a lot of work to compile a coherent garden plan. However, now, I begin with the online USDA plants database to research the best candidates. Unlike (ahem) other government websites, the USDA plants database website is well-organized and absolutely replete with news I can use. This site is not difficult to navigate and doesn't lead you all over the map before finding exactly what you're looking for. Now, this site has become my first stop for facts about plants. Here, we take a mini-tour to give you an idea of the goodies you'll find.
We start out with the image gallery, comprised of 40,000+ images of plants, which you can organize in a number of specific searches. You are invited to add to the USDA plants database with your own digital images the more, the merrier, wouldn't you say?
One of the best features is found under 'Plants Topics', conveniently located on the left side navigation bar. Here, you'll find more than 800 Fact Sheets and Plant Guides, which are down-loadable, either in an Adobe (.pdf) or MS Word (.doc) format. The fact sheets are more concise than the Plant Guides, providing you with basic information about a given plant, e.g. uses in the garden, cultivation information and a brief description. The Plant Guides contain more in-depth and detailed information. You can skim through those of interest online and then download those you'll be planning to integrate into your garden plan.
Another cool feature of the USDA Plants Database is its advanced search and search help. You can search for plants by their common or scientific name, by state, region or throughout the country.
If you're looking to create an eco-friendly garden, the USDA Plants database helps you get the job done right, with information on invasive and noxious weeds, alternative crops, wetland plants and threatened and endangered plant species. Is the plant you're looking at culturally significant? The database provides the answer.
In addition to the Fact Sheets and Plant Guides, you can download a complete Plants Checklist or confine yourself to your State's Plants Checklist. Download plant posters, which can make a terrific kitchen decorating touch, or spark the enthusiasm of a school-age child.
There are also a number of tools available for use on the site, including a crop nutrient tool (very handy), plant identification keys and ecological site information system.
Last, but certainly not least in our mini-tour, is the amazingly extensive list of links on the USDA Plants Database. If there's any aspect of garden plants that has you baffled, you'll find a lead on the links page, which, incidentally has links for both teachers and kids.
Check out the USDA Plants Database and take a virtual trip. This website is sure to become a favorite stop for any gardener, young or old! Pay them a visit!
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