Top 10 unknown facts about gardening

A rewarding and fulfilling hobby that allows us to connect with nature and create beautiful green spaces, gardening may sound familiar to everyone. But there are several lesser-known facts that can deepen our understanding and appreciation for this ancient practice.

Let’s hear it from some people who have been at it. Ms Sangeeta Nistandra, Principal at Apeejay Schools – Mahavir Marg and Tanda Road in Jalandhar says, “Gardening is a grand teacher. It teaches one to be patient, careful and watchful. It teaches industry and thrift; above all, it teaches entire trust.” Quoting the celebrated American Author, Michael Pollan, she shared: ‘The single greatest lesson the garden teaches is that our relationship to the planet need not be zero-sum, and that as long as the sun still shines and people still can plan and plant, think and do, we can, if we bother to try, find ways to provide for ourselves without diminishing the world.’  

An interesting fact about gardening which Ms Nistandra revealed is, “There are more microorganisms in one teaspoon of soil than there are people on earth!” She holds an educational qualification in the field of Botany and in her free time, she loves to educate students about plants, flowers and micro-beings.

A true nature enthusiast, Nikhil Shukla, a class 6 student from Apeejay School, Saket in Delhi began gardening at the age of four with his father. Now, he is able to do it independently and takes keen interest in knowing more about the field. According to him, mango, cherry and avocado can be grown from its seeds very easily. These are some of the best ones to start at home.” For avocado, he advises to loosely wrap the seed in a damp, wrung out paper towel. Place the towel and seed in a zip lock back, but do not zip it close. Then place it in a cabinet or dark place and watch for a root and a shoot to emerge!  

In this article, we will uncover more. Here are ten intriguing and often surprising facts about gardening. Get ready to expand your horticultural knowledge!

Plants can communicate

Plants have their own unique language and ways of communicating. Through their root systems, they can release chemical signals to alert nearby plants of potential dangers such as insect attacks. This remarkable phenomenon, known as “plant communication,” helps plants defend themselves and coordinate responses for survival.

Flowers have superpowers

Did you know that certain flowers have remarkable abilities? For instance, the Titan Arum, also known as the “corpse flower,” emits an odour similar to rotting flesh to attract pollinators. On the other hand, the Mimosa pudica, or “sensitive plant,” folds its leaves and droops when touched, acting as a defense mechanism against herbivores.

Plants can purify the air

Truly, indoor air pollution is a significant concern but plants can be our allies in combating it. Certain houseplants, like the Peace Lily and Spider Plant, are excellent natural air purifiers. They absorb harmful toxins from the air, making our indoor spaces healthier and more pleasant to live in.

Soil has a microscopic universe

A single teaspoon of healthy soil can contain billions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes. These microscopic creatures play important roles in breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients, and enhancing soil fertility. Surely, a thriving soil ecosystem is essential for plant growth and overall garden health.

Plants have a healing touch

Gardening can be therapeutic and plants have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. So, Aloe Vera, for instance, has soothing properties and is commonly used to treat minor burns and skin irritations. Chamomile is another healing plant which is known for its calming effects. Lavender too can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and sleep.

Some plants are carnivorous

Intriguingly, certain plants have evolved to consume insects and other small creatures for their nutritional needs. Examples include the Venus flytrap, Pitcher plants, and Sundews. These carnivorous plants have specialised mechanisms to trap and digest their prey, obtaining nutrients they lack from the soil.

The oldest known garden

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, were believed to be the oldest known example of an organised garden. Built around 600 BCE, these terraced gardens featured a stunning array of plants, trees, and water features, showcasing the advanced horticultural skills of the time. It is situated in Iraq where they are said to have flourished long ago but now one only finds ruins and rubble.

The power of companion planting

Companion planting is the practice of strategically planting certain species together to benefit one another. For instance, marigolds can help repel pests when planted near vegetables while beans can enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefiting neighbouring plants. This age-old technique maximises plant health and productivity.

Gardening is good for mental health

Engaging in gardening activities has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits. It can reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall well-being. Spending time in nature, tending to plants, and witnessing their growth can have a calming and rejuvenating effect on the mind.

The world’s largest flower

The Rafflesia arnoldii holds the title for the world’s largest flower. Found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, this enormous flower can grow up to three feet in diameter and weigh up to 24 pounds. What makes it even more fascinating is that it lacks roots, stems, and leaves. The Rafflesia arnoldii relies on a host plant to obtain nutrients and emerges as a massive, red-brown flower with a pungent odour resembling rotting flesh.

Gardening is a world filled with hidden wonders and surprises. From the secret language of plants to the healing powers they possess, there’s much more to discover beyond the beauty of flowers and the satisfaction of growing your own food. What more? One can grow so much in the home garden too.

As per Mr Aditya Bhalla, Founder and Technical Director at Aeroganics, “Students can try their hands at microgreens. It is an easy and convenient way to start. Just ensure you have the seeds in place which takes about 7 days to grow. Soon, you will be able to track its development. A person can grow spinach, sunflower, mustard greens to begin with through this process.” Mr Bhalla is an alumnus of Apeejay, Saket. His venture promises Delhites the freshest and highest quality culinary ingredients year-round.

So, by delving into these lesser-known facts about gardening, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationships between plants and their environments. The next time you step into your garden or embark on a gardening project, remember the remarkable stories and hidden secrets that nature has to offer.

Happy gardening!