Summary

Beginner plant science outcomes introduce how crops grow and how farmers manage them in Tennessee. Youth investigate soil basics (layers, texture, pH, nutrients, organic matter) and practice soil sampling and interpreting lab reports. Topics also cover major row crops, plant parts, monocots vs. dicots, and hybrid vs. open‑pollinated crops, plus germination and crop calendars. Learners explore pests, weeds, diseases, and integrated pest management, read pesticide labels for safe use, and compare how crop farming has changed from the past to today.