Show Notes
The internet is a minefield of questionable plant hacks, rage bait, and—sigh—banana water. Good thing The Plant Prof is here to shed some science on the matter.
Vikram Baliga, a.k.a. The Plant Prof, is a professor of horticulture and the host of the podcasts Planthropology and Deep Roots. He is that rare being in the world of science: an academic who has also honed the skill of communicating with non-academic audiences. As he says, public taxes pay for science research. The public deserves good, true scientific information.
Today’s conversation ranges across education and misinformation in the digital age, the evolution of science, and the importance of experimentation. Then we get practical with tips on compost tea, a nuanced discussion on using synthetic or organic fertilization methods, and garden hacks that actually work. Of course, we also have to take a few minutes to get excited about Vikram’s information–packed children’s book, Plants to the Rescue: The Plants, Trees, and Fungi that are Solving Some of the World’s Biggest Problems. Have a listen; class is in session!
Find Vikram Online at:
The Planthropology Podcast
Deep Roots Podcast
Texas Tech Davis College of Ag Natural Resources website
YouTube
Bluesky
X
Vikram’s Book:
Plants to the Rescue , published by Neon Squid Books
Timestamps
00:14 Intro 00:30 Meet Vikram Baliga, The Plant Prof 02:33 Vikram’s Podcasts: The Planthropology Podcast and Deep Roots 03:37 The Challenge of Public Science Communication 10:42 Plants don’t read our textbooks. 12:20 Plants Always Win Stole its Name from Planthropology Merch 13:04 The Evolution of Science and the Freedom to Experiment 15:56 Vikram’s Home Fertilizer Hack Experiments: Rice Water, Banana Water, Oatmeal, Cinnamon, etc. 18:36 How to Make Compost Tea 21:22 Synthetic Commercial Fertilizers vs. Organic Fertilizers for Containers, Planters, and Gardens 30:48 Vikram’s New Kids’ Book: Plants to the Rescue 36:50 Gardening Hacks that Actually Work 40:04 Things That Make Your Gardening Life Easier 40:41 That Time Sean Hacked his Leg Open 42:32 The Best Way to Grow a Garden is In Community 44:52 Find Vikram Online 45:43 Outro and Contact Us
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