Gardening in the Face of the Climate Catastrophe: Part 1

The Climat Catastrophe is real. There has been considerable discussion about this. The deniers are dangerous but I cannot waste any time arguing with them. They are wrong. My focus is on what I can do and what others who garden can do.

Today is September 26, Fall has begun. My cosmos just began to bloom a week ago and are thriving. The tomato plants are healthy and while all the flowers are gone, the tomatoes are slowly turning red. On Monday the temperature was 26 celsius.  The normal temperature for this time of the year is 18.

The glass gem corn and the sunflowers are healthy and I will be harvesting the corn soon. The grex beans have been harvested.

This summer was wetter and cooler in June than last year. We had a long hot dry spell that ran from July into August, more intense than the year before. Many farmers will not have a crop to take to market or if they do, the yields are significantly smaller. this does not bode well for our future food supply.

I have been talking with long-term residents here and especially with those who garden. There is an increasing concern that the unpredictable weather makes it difficult to plan and plant. A few days back I produced a blog on seed germination and climate change,  Soil temperature is critical to plant development. You can read this post, here

So what can we, growers, do?  Stay connected to find out. Also, I'd love your suggestions on how gardeners can carry on gardening in the face of the Climate Catastrophe. Please use the comment sections to share your thoughts.

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Seed Germination and Climate Change

Seeds require a specific temperature range in order to germinate and reach their maximum potential. For example, beans will only germinate if the soil temperature is above 60 degrees F and no warmer than 95 degrees F. Celsius  16 to 35 degrees.

If the temperature reaches above 35 degrees C, which has happened here, and in many other areas, this past summer, the bean crop could be in jeopardy. Beans are a great staple, simple enough to grow, to save,  to share and to cook.

The Global Climate Catastrophe will likely increase the number of days that the temperature surpasses 35 C, what then happens to the beans many count on to feed their families. Will food security be at risk. 

The Climate Catastrophe is already posing a risk to food security, floods are another major threat to farmers. Witness this past summer in the United States, where floods devastated a large agricultural area.

Here in Renfrew County a cool wet spring following by a hot, dry summer had a negative impact on crops such as corn and soybeans.

for more info: https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/when-is-it-warm-enough-to-plant/9029.html

Next post, what can a grower do in face of this threat?