Climate Change In Gardening: Adapt!

Climate change in writing in the middle, with all the causes written all around.

Climate change in gardening has significantly impacted how you and I approach our gardens!

As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, we face new challenges in growing and maintaining our plants.

The shifting climate has also altered plant hardiness zones, affecting which plants can thrive in our respective regions.

In response to these changes, you and I are adapting our gardening practices to be more sustainable and resilient.

This might include choosing more drought-tolerant plants, implementing water-saving techniques, and finding ways to protect our gardens from extreme weather events.

Additionally, we are seeking ways to reduce our carbon footprint and minimize our environmental impact through our gardening efforts.

It’s crucial to adapt our gardening practices to meet these new realities. By taking proactive steps, not only can we cope with these changes but also thrive despite them.

I invite you to read on to discover practical tips and strategies for adapting your gardening practices to the challenges posed by climate change. Are you ready to explore how we can make our gardens resilient in the face of climate change?

Recognizing the Challenges

A power plant burning fossil fuel is the main cause of climate change — Fossil fuel emissions are the major cause of Climate change

When it comes to climate change in gardening, you and I are facing some significant challenges, such as:

1. Unpredictable Weather Windows

Remember when we used to have a reliable 6-week period for yard cleanup and garden preparation? Those days are slowly disappearing as climate change alters the timing and duration of seasonal transitions. This is making it tougher to find the right moment to get things done.

2. Erractic Temperature Shifts

One day it’s cold, and the next day, it’s suddenly warm! What happened to the gradual warming we used to rely on for proper soil preparation and planting? This abrupt change can stress our plants, especially those not suited to rapid temperature swings, making it difficult to time our planting correctly.

3. Increased Precipitation Variability

Too much rain floods a farmers field — Flooded farm fields

We can’t ignore the periods of heavy rain followed by drought, as our gardens are either waterlogged or parched. This means we need to be more vigilant about managing water, by conserving it during dry spells and ensuring proper drainage during wet periods.

4. High Temperature Swings

Extended periods of high temperatures are also becoming more common. This is putting additional stress on our plants and increasing evaporation rates, which means more frequent watering.

This spring has been unlike any other, with unpredictable weather, temperature swings, and heavy rains pushing my gardening back by two months. It was too cold, too wet, and too windy.

I prepped my gardens and kept my plants indoors for almost a month, finally starting on June 2nd. Despite torrential rains and high winds, I finished planting nine days later.

With few good weather windows, patience and resilience were key. My garden is slow-growing due to the cool weather, but I’m hopeful for what’s to come.

All these factors combined make planning our gardening activities a real challenge. But don’t worry, by recognizing these challenges, both you and I can start to adapt and find new ways to keep our gardens thriving.

Coping by Adapting to New Strategies

Adapting our gardening practices to climate change means we need to be more flexible and innovative than ever before. Here’s a list of practices you and I can adapt too.

1. Using Weather Apps and Services

By keeping a close eye on detailed, short-term weather forecasts, we can make more informed decisions about when to plant, water, and protect our gardens.

I find the forecasts are not always accurate. As an example, I triple checked the weather for last Sunday as no rain was forcast. When I got up in the morning, guess what?

Yes, it was raining, cool and windy, AGAIN! Not a good day to plant my tomatoes! I had to wait until the next day, which turned out to be perfect weather!

2. Selecting Resilient Plant Varieties

Choosing plants that are more tolerant of temperature extremes and erratic precipitation can make a big difference in how well our gardens cope with climate change. You might find yourself exploring new plant varieties that you hadn’t considered before. Also this can also be an exciting opportunity to diversify your garden.

3. Improving Soil Health

By amending our soil with organic matter, we can enhance its water retention during dry periods and improve drainage during wet spells. This not only helps our plants thrive but also makes our gardens more resilient overall.

I was worried about my newly dug flower garden so I made sure to add a high quality organic compost. It is perfect for enriching soils and perfect for my small gardens!

4. Implementing Water Conservation Practices

Using mulch to reduce evaporation, collecting rainwater, and employing drip irrigation systems can help us use water more efficiently. These practices not only benefit our gardens but also contribute to broader environmental sustainability.

For years I used my good and old reliable rain barrel! Unfortunately it is now out of commission. So I have been using the fish pond water for my plants. Why not? There’s no fish and it’s ideal for a water supply.

5. Adjusting our Timing

We need to be ready to act on short notice especially when the weather presents a favorable window for planting or protecting our plants. This might mean being more spontaneous and flexible than we’re used to, but it can make a big difference in how well our gardens adapt to the changing climate.

By adopting these strategies, you and I can better cope with the challenges posed by climate change and ensure our gardens continue to flourish.

More Strategies for Adapting to Climate Change in Gardening

As we continue to adapt our gardening practices to the realities of climate change, you and I can explore even more strategies to help our gardens thrive.

1. Extending the Growing Season

A free standing green house situated in the back of a garden — Free standing greenhouse

Using Cold Frames: A small, low-profile structure with a transparent roof that allows sunlight in while retaining heat. Typically used for starting seeds or protecting plants in early spring or late fall.
Hoop House (or Polytunnel): Made with a series of large hoops covered with plastic sheeting. These are usually more affordable and easy to construct.
Freestanding Greenhouse: Stands alone and can be placed anywhere in the garden. Offers more space and flexibility in terms of design and placement.
Using any one of these allows us to plant earlier in the spring and harvest later in the fall, giving our plants a better chance to grow despite unpredictable weather.

I remember years ago, we bought a small, free standing green house from Walmart. It was connected by poles we had to put together and it was covered with a strong clear plastic, complete with a zip up door and shelves.

One drawback was it was flimsy and the wind would tip it over. Being portable we moved it around until we found a protected spot.

We used it for seedling protection and to harden up the plants prior to planting. Alas, after about 10 years of usage, it finally collapsed and could not be repaired.

Sadly it was never replaced, but I am definately thinking about having one for next year’s planting season.

2. Staggered Planting Times

By spacing out our planting times, we can ensure that not all of our plants are affected equally by unexpected weather events. This way, if a sudden frost or heatwave hits, we’ll still have successive harvests to look forward to.

3. Diversifying Our Plants

Growing a variety of plants reduces the risk that a single weather event will devastate our entire garden. Some plants may be more resilient and can survive or even thrive under changing conditions, providing us with a more stable and productive garden.

4. Monitoring Soil Moisture

A water meter measuring soil moisture — Moisture Metre

Using soil moisture sensors or meters helps us water our plants more efficiently, ensuring they get the right amount of water without overwatering. This is especially important as we deal with more variable precipitation patterns.

5. Creating Microclimates

Within our gardens can offer additional protection against extreme temperatures and wind. By strategically placing plants, using windbreaks, and providing shading, we can create pockets of more favorable conditions that help our plants grow better.

6. Practicing Sustainable Gardening & Promoting Biodiversity

Biodiversity in gardening involves growing a variety of plants to create a balanced and resilient ecosystem.
By incorporating different species of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and trees, gardeners can attract beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.
This diversity helps control pests naturally, improves soil health, and enhances pollination.
Additionally, a biodiverse garden is more adaptable to changing weather conditions and less susceptible to diseases, ensuring a more sustainable and productive garden space.

These practices not only help our gardens adapt to climate change but also contribute to a healthier environment overall.

I have been practicing sustainable gardening and promoting biodiversity for over 50 years. In the last 10 years, I have noticed a significant decline in bird populations, pollinators, and beneficial insects.

I am doing my best to maintain a balanced ecosystem. While I cannot control climate change, I have adapted my practices.

It saddens me not to see more birds hear the birds chirping or to see more bees and dragonflies. It makes me question where have all the birds gone and whether they will return in numbers?

If you and I do our part, together we can create a more balanced and thriving ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and benefits of a biodiverse garden.

Let’s work together to bring back the birds, bees, and other essential creatures to our gardens.

Adapting to climate change in gardening can be more manageable when we tap into the power of community and knowledge sharing.

: By connecting with other gardeners, we can exchange tips and experiences that help us all adapt more effectively.

: Joining local gardening clubs or online forums can provide valuable insights and fresh ideas.

: Participating in community gardens offers hands-on learning and access to shared resources.

: Attending workshops and gardening classes keeps us informed about the latest sustainable practices and climate adaptation techniques.

Even if we haven’t tried certain methods ourselves, we can share information from reputable sources and the experiences of fellow gardeners. Staying updated on climate trends and scientific developments helps us make informed decisions.

By fostering a spirit of community and knowledge sharing, we can create resilient, thriving gardens that stand up to the challenges of a changing world. Together, we can make a real difference!

Right now I am sharing my own experiences from 50 years of gardening knowledge. Whether through my blogs posts, talks with family and friends, or casual conversations with neighbours, I am helping to enrich your knowledge!

5 Reasons Why Plants and Trees Help Mitigate Climate Change

Large scale destruction of trees-Deforestation-another cause of Climate change

Understanding how plants and trees help mitigate climate change can inspire you and me to incorporate more greenery into our gardens and communities. Here are five compelling reasons why:

Carbon Sequestration: Plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, storing it in their biomass and soil. This helps reduce the overall concentration of greenhouse gases.
Cooling Effect: Trees provide shade and release water vapor through transpiration, which cools the surrounding air. This natural cooling effect can reduce the need for air conditioning, lowering energy consumption.
Air Quality Improvement: Plants and trees filter pollutants from the air, including particulate matter and harmful gases. Cleaner air contributes to better health and a more pleasant environment.
Erosion Control: The roots of plants and trees stabilize soil, preventing erosion and reducing runoff. This helps maintain healthy soil and protects water quality by preventing sediment from entering waterways.
Biodiversity Support: Diverse plantings create habitats for various species of insects, birds, and other wildlife. A rich biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, making it better able to withstand and adapt to climate changes.

By planting more trees and cultivating diverse gardens, you and I can actively contribute to mitigating climate change and fostering a healthier planet! Let’s make a positive impact, one plant at a time!

Summary

In this blog, we explored how climate change is affecting our gardening practices. I discussed the challenges we face, such as unpredictable weather windows, erratic temperature shifts, and increased precipitation variability.

Together, we looked at strategies to adapt, including using weather apps, selecting resilient plant varieties, and improving soil health.

I also emphasized the importance of community and knowledge sharing and understanding the role of plants and trees in mitigating climate change.

By adopting these practices, you and I can create resilient gardens that thrive despite the changing climate.

Conclusion

Adapting to climate change in gardening practices is not just a necessity but an opportunity for you and me to make a meaningful impact.

By recognizing the challenges and implementing strategies like using weather apps, choosing resilient plants, and improving soil health, we can make our gardens more resilient.

Furthermore, by sharing knowledge within our communities and understanding the role of plants and trees in mitigating climate change, you and I will contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability.

Remember, every small step we take in our gardens can have a significant impact. Let’s continue to innovate, share, and create a greener future.

Engage with Us!

I hope you found this blog on adapting gardening practices to climate change both informative and inspiring. Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable, so please feel free to leave comments below.

Share your own tips, ask questions, or tell us about the challenges and successes you’ve encountered in your gardening journey.

Let’s create a vibrant community of gardeners who support and learn from each other.

Today’s joke: What did the dirt in the garden say during heavy rain? – If this keeps up I’ll be mud!

Until next time – Happy Gardening!

Take care

Barb

Climate Change In Gardening: Adapt!

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