03/10/2023

Tips And Tricks To Grow Your Garden In A Changing Climate

42:20 minutes

an above view of potted little green sprouts. these small sprigs will grow into tomato plants
Here’s how to keep your garden nice and verdant this spring, despite any unexpected elements. Credit: Unsplash

For many of us, spring is right around the corner—or already here—which means it’s time to start thinking about what is going into your garden this year. But largely thanks to climate change, our seasons are getting wonkier every year. 

Gardens are feeling the heat as climate change affects the timing of the seasons, temperature extremes, the amount of rainfall, the intensity of droughts, and more. So it’s more important than ever to plant a garden that can be more resilient to these changes. 

In this live show, Ira talks with a panel of guests about planting a climate-resilient garden, and how to set your plants up for success. He’s joined by Laura Erickson, a birder and author of “100 Plants to Feed the Birds: Turn Your Home Garden Into a Healthy Bird Habitat;” Dr. Lucy Bradley, a horticulturist and extension specialist at North Carolina State University; and Dr. Tiffany Carter, research soil scientist at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.


Resources For Every Green Thumb


Segment Guests

Laura Erickson

Laura Erickson is a birder and author based in Duluth, Minnesota.

Lucy Bradley

Lucy Bradley is a horticulturist and extension specialist at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Tiffany Carter

Tiffany Carter is a research soil scientist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Segment Transcript

The transcript is being processed. It will be available the week after the segment airs.

Meet the Producers and Host

About Rasha Aridi

Rasha Aridi is a producer for Science Friday. She loves stories about weird critters, science adventures, and the intersection of science and history.

About Ira Flatow

Ira Flatow is the host and executive producer of Science FridayHis green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.

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