Talking to Our Plants: Do They Really Listen?
Every morning at our nursery we kick things off with a lively chat with our leafy companions. Our plants appreciate a good chinwag just as much as we do. You might think we’re a bit quirky, but there’s a method to our madness. Sure, the science behind talking to plants is still up for debate, but it makes sense to us, and who can resist a friendly chat with a chrysanthemum?
Our "Vibration Therapy" means the plants kick back and enjoy a mini spa day as we chat away. Our soothing tones produce sound waves that create vibrations, giving our herbs, flowers, and trees a tiny massage. They thrive on it, swaying gently.
Next, there’s the "Carbon Dioxide Boost." Every whisper of sweet nothings is like a morning smoothie for our leafy pals. As we breathe out, we’re feeding them carbon dioxide. Our tomatoes, in particular, perk up during our debates on the best pasta sauce recipes.
Of course, all this talking means we’re constantly checking in on our plants. We’re always on the lookout for sneaky pests or droopy leaves. This regular attention ensures our little green friends get much needed TLC as they grow into big plants. The sunflowers enjoy our singing, even if we’re a bit off-key. We’ve discovered that personifying our plants adds a healthy dose of humour to our routine.
When our plants begin to bud or show new growth, we become their biggest cheerleaders. Every sprout is met with exclamations of praise and encouragement. “Look at you go!” we’ll say, marvelling at their progress. And when the time comes for a photoshoot, the awe and appreciation are palpable. We gather around with camera, capturing their vibrant colours and intricate details, cooing over each leaf and petal. Our plants bask in the attention.
But not every plant thrives. When one of our green friends doesn’t make it, we handle it discreetly. Failed seedlings don’t just get tossed aside; they get a noble send-off. We make sure to dispose of failed seedlings quietly. We bury them in the compost heap, out of sight. No need for the surviving plants to witness the drama. It’s like a secret garden funeral where the eulogies are whispered by the wind. Sometimes, we even gather around for a moment of silence as we honour their brief but valiant lives.
Every loss is a learning opportunity. We play detective, figuring out what went wrong. Too much water? Not enough sun? Each failure helps us fine-tune our care for the next batch. Our little flops turn into valuable lessons.
We also believe in the buddy system. Pairing older, successful seedlings with the newbies creates a supportive environment. Our older seedlings act like wise garden gurus, providing stability and guidance to the day-olds. These seasoned seedlings create a microclimate perfect for their younger buddies, offering shade, sharing moisture, and generally making life easier for the babies. We just know the young ones look up to them with curiosity and admiration.
Having robust, happy seedlings nearby is super motivating for the younger ones. It’s a botanical pep talk: “You can do it, little sprout! Look at me—I was your size once!” Our seedlings are running their own support group, fostering an environment where every plant can thrive.
Combining these practices has made our nursery a light-hearted, harmonious and productive place. We’re all about making gardening fun and successful. Every day is an adventure filled with whispered conversations, secret seedling burials, and buddy-up sessions. We're all happier for it. And as we continue to learn and grow, we’re excited to share our journey with you.
Happy gardening from all of us at the nursery! Because life should be fun, right?