Every gardener will run into problems with their plants. A good gardener is one who takes the time to investigate. By looking closely at your garden, and regularly looking at your plants, you can spot problems while they are still small. If you do spot a plant that isn’t looking it’s best, stop there. Take a closer look at the plant. Your observations might help you figure out what is causing the problem and identify a solution so you can help your plant be healthy again!

Supplies:

• Scavenger hunt worksheet

• Something to write with

• Optional: a clipboard or other hard surface for writing

• Optional: a magnifying glass or hand lens

Let’s Do It

1. Take your scavenger hunt sheet with you to the garden.

2. Look closely at the plants.

3. Can you find plants with the problems listed on the worksheet?

4. If so, check the box, make notes, and/or draw a picture.

Talk It Over

• What did you find?

• Was it easy to find plant problems in the garden?

• What do you think might be causing the problems you saw?

• Is there anything you can do about this plant problem?

Optional Extension

Experiment: Watch your plant as it grows. Is the problem getting better or worse? Compare it to other plants nearby for reference. You may also want to try something to fix the problem and see what happens.

Time needed: 30 minutes

Plant problems can be caused by many different factors, including insects, diseases, nutrient deficiencies and environmental conditions. Different plant problems cause unique symptoms on plants. For example, if a plant doesn’t have enough of the nutrient, nitorgen the leaves will turn yellow.

Supplies:

• Plant Problem Cards

• Construction paper or any scrap paper (old magazines, note paper)

• Markers, colored pencils, or crayons

• Tape

• Scissors

• Optional craft supplies like pipe cleaners, tissue paper, pom-poms, etc.

Let's Do It!

1. Read the different plant problem cards on page 2.

2. Pick one card you find interesting and you will make a plant problem outfit.

3. Look at the different plant problem characteristics and use construction paper and other craft supplies to create an outfit that models the plant problem.

4. You might cut out giant leaves that show spots caused by bacteria or crumple paper to show leaves distorted by insects that feed on plants.

5. Tape your leaves or other creation to an old shirt.

6. Put on your shirt and show off to your family and friends.

7. Tell your family and friends all about your plant problem.

Talk it Over

• What plant problem did you choose?

• How did your plant problem affect your plant?

• If your garden got a plant problem, what would you do about it?

• How can we help our plants avoid plant problems?

• How do you solve problems that you have in your life?