Climate change and gardening: growing other vegetables

Created: 07/12/2022, 02:00 p.m

Climate change is also making itself felt in Germany with hot summers and mild winters.

An expert explains what this means for the garden.

Climate change does not stop at gardening either.

Author Veronika Schubert addresses this topic in her book "Gärtnern im Wandel" (servus) and says: "The summers are getting hotter, the winters are milder." Along with the natural vegetation, the garden planting also changes with the climate.

The news agency spot on news explains the expert on the effects of climate change, what is important when watering and which plants like the balcony.

Which vegetables and fruits are suffering from climate change?

A rain barrel in the garden collects water for watering the plants.

(Iconic image) © Chromorange/Imago

Veronika Schubert: All those that are less robust and have a harder time surviving the dry season.

But there are two ways to counteract this: either use efficient irrigation or change the type of vegetable.

Parsnips and tomatoes have deep roots and can draw water from deep layers of the soil.

What is important when watering?

Schubert: You should store every drop in different containers, starting with the good old water butt right through to cisterns and wells.

Plants that do not form deep roots themselves can be encouraged to root deeper with a conscious watering strategy: Water less, but more often.

The garden is always watered in the morning and evening hours, since too much water evaporates directly from the surface in the midday heat.

How is climate change changing planting in the garden?

Schubert: Since climate change is a "hot" topic, you can find new breeds in nurseries and nurseries every year that are more robust.

Drought tolerant plants often have thicker leaves and are hairy.

Water suckers like hydrangeas, on the other hand, have soft, large foliage.

Can we expect more pests in the future?

Schubert: Pests always appear when the plants are weak.

Those who remain true to the principle of "the right plant in the right place" and gardening in the cycle of nature will continue to reap good harvests and enjoy their lush flowers.

Can small gardens contribute to climate protection?

Schubert: Climate protection starts small, even in the garden - and the smallest garden is actually a flower pot.

Every bit of green, no matter how small, every plant helps to break down carbon dioxide.

So you can rightly feel a bit greener when you garden.

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What tips are there for planting in general?

Schubert: If plants are in the wrong place, they need all their energy to cope with the situation that is bad for them.

A prerequisite for successful planting is knowledge of the requirements and appropriate soil preparation.

How do you find the right location?

Schubert: There are plants that love the sun and others that love the shade.

But the demands on the soil, and this is very important, also differ greatly.

If you know what living conditions the plant wants, you can roughly determine the soil conditions with a simple finger test.

Which plants are suitable for balconies?

Schubert: Basically anything can be planted, even if it gets hotter and drier, as long as you water.

Drought artists such as fat hens, stonecrops and grasses can withstand the new conditions well.

Pelargoniums are also robust pot plants.

What do I have to consider to attract bees, birds and insects to the garden?

Schubert: Single flowers offer significantly more pollen and nectar than double ones, in which the stamens have turned into petals.

Many different types of plants in the garden attract different animals and there should always be something in bloom, from spring to autumn.

Birds need sources of food, preferably wild bushes with fruit, which also serve as shelter and breeding grounds.