What are the different forms of plants?
There are far too numerous to name but most will fall under these categories: shrubs, trees, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and grass. You will also have succulents, epiphytes, aquatic and carnivorous.
How are plants affected when the sufficient factors they need for photosynthesis are lacking?
Plants get energy from light through a process called photosynthesis. This is how light affects the growth of a plant. Without light, a plant would not be able to produce the energy it needs to grow. Plants affected by insufficient light will have the following signs:
Stems will be leggy or stretched out
Leaves turn yellow
Leaves are too small
Brown tips or edges on leaves
Lower leaves dry up
Variegated leaves lose their variegation
I am thinking about purchasing a Mantis tiller. Do any of you have one? If so, do you think it was worth what you paid for it? Do you have any of the attatchments? In general, how do you like it?
It works well for what they are intended for. Do not get it for tilling your 30 foot by 30 foot garden every Spring. If you have a small garden space, or till only small amounts each year, they are great. It's not going to work well for tilling the yard, or for deep tilling. Just be sure to get a machine that is big enough to do the job you want.
What do you do to treat plant roots with to keep from being damaged?
The only way to prevent root damage is to practice good cultivation. In other words, provide the plant with adequate soil, light, water and fertilization. The most important factor is to make sure the roots do not become waterlogged, which can inevitably lead to root rot. Also, take care of any issues that may pop up as soon as they're noticed. Healthy plants maintain strong, healthy root growth.
What is plant rust?
It is a type of fungal disease. here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/learn-about-plant-rust-disease-and-rust-treatment.htm
How can you tell a new bud from an old one?
Almost all buds are new buds. Soon after a bud swells, it will open and grow into a flower, leaf or stem, depending on what kind of bud you are looking at.
How does plant scale travel from plant to plant? Does plant scale survive only on plants? Do they survive on anything else? I have a 6'x10' fenced patio with 15+ plants, two plants w/scale are 5'+ from others.
They normally only affect plants. We recommend treating these kinds of pest with neem oil. It is safe for humans and animals but is very effective against most destructive plant pests. Here is more information on both neem oil and scale: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm