The Green Thumb Gazette.

Send your gardening questions to Dr. Kathryn Orvis at "The Green Thumb Gazette," U.S. Kids, Box 567, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46206.

Dear Dr. Orvis:

What is the difference between a plant "bulb" and plant "seeds"?

Dear Readers:

Seeds and bulbs both hold a new, tiny plant, including roots, stem, and leaves. Seeds are dry, so this new plant, or embryo (EMM-bree-oh), is dormant until the seed soaks up enough water to prompt the plant to grow.

Bulbs also hold a little plant, but in a different way. Some bulbs need to be cold for a few weeks before they will grow, and the temperature needs to be warm. Bulbs usually need special care and often won't grow after being stored for more than one or two years. Some seeds can be stored in a cool dry place for up to a hundred years and still sprout a new plant when placed in warm, damp soil.