Use many approaches and perspectives to learn. Listen as much as you talk. Biology in general, and botany in particular, is a subject with a whole new vocabulary. Strive to learn what each new word means and keep a personal glossary of words so that you can keep referring to words with which you need to work. It will make taking exams far easier for you.
Spelling correctly is a great goal.
Start early on that project, write a first draft, let it rest for a week or two. Then re-read what you wrote critically and correct it thoroughly. Have a friend correct this second draft. Be sure to learn from every experience. This is especially true of graded materials.