Climate change is making its mark on our environment in various ways that directly affect our gardening. The reality is that as our planet evolves, so must the way we cultivate our gardens to ensure their health and productivity.

Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Gardens

Climate change is making its mark on our environment in various ways that directly affect our gardening. Here are some key changes gardeners are facing include:

• Increasingly Warmer Nights: While warmer nights might seem minor, they play a significant role in plant biology. Cooler nights are crucial for optimal photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into energy. Warmer nights can disrupt this natural cycle, affecting plant growth and yields.
• Shifts in Plant Hardiness Zones: Recent updates to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map indicate that most areas of the country have shifted approximately half a zone higher. This change suggests that plants which historically thrived in warmer zones may now be suitable for new areas. This shift allows gardeners to experiment with a broader variety of plants but also means that plants currently in your zone may take up to two decades to adapt fully to these changes.
• Decreasing Snowpack: For those in states accustomed to heavy winter snow, there has been a noticeable reduction in snowfall. For instance, across New England, since 1971, the snowpack has decreased by 60-90%. This reduction in snow not only affects winter sports but also impacts the natural protection of your gardens.
• Increased Precipitation: Waterlogged soil is caused by excess rain fall, which compromises plant health by reducing oxygen availability and increasing the risk of root diseases. Additionally, heavy rainfall can strip nutrients from the soil, making it harder for plants to thrive.

Adapting Your Garden to Climate Change

There are practical tips and tricks to help you adapt your garden to these changes for the late winter and early spring. From selecting resilient plant varieties to altering your protection plans for temperature swings, goal is to achieve a bountiful harvest no matter the climate conditions:

1. Soil Fertility
• Have your soil tested through your local cooperative extension or use a home testing kit to assess your garden's health. What is a Cooperative Extension might you ask? Cooperative Extension services, often simply referred to as "Extension," play a vital role in communities across the United States. These are partnerships between universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend research-based knowledge through various educational programs. Extension services often offer programs for gardeners, including Master Gardener training, soil testing, and advice on native plants. These services help individuals and communities develop green spaces and personal gardens that are environmentally sustainable.
• Feed your soil! Adding organic nutrients back into your soil is essential for maintaining soil health and ensuring robust plant growth. Incorporating compost, manure, or leaf mold can enrich the soil with vital nutrients, improve soil structure, and enhance its water retention capabilities. This not only boosts the health of your plants but also supports a thriving ecosystem in your garden. Try mixing Coast of Maine Quoddy Blend Compost with Lobster & Crab in with your existing soil. Or super charge your soil with Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food with Lobster, Kelp & Worm Castings.
2. Design Gardens for Drainage
• Elevate your garden game with raised beds. Not only do they boost drainage, warding off troublesome root rot and moisture-related problems, but they also add a touch of elegance to your garden space. For the ultimate growing experience, fill them up with Coast of Maine Castine Blend Raised Bed Mix.
• Limit driving or walking compaction of soil. Poor water permeability can be caused by compacted soil, which can lead to water pooling on the surface and potentially causing root rot or fungal diseases. Keeping the soil loose helps it absorb and retain water more efficiently, providing plants with steady access to moisture.
• Limiting tilling, particularly when the ground is wet, is an important practice for maintaining soil health. Tilling wet soil can cause significant damage to its structure. When soil is disturbed in this state, it compacts and clumps, which reduces air pockets and can lead to poor water drainage.
• Give your garden a cozy blanket of organic mulch. It's not just about looking good; this protective layer keeps your soil snug, holding in moisture and fending off those pesky weeds. It also smooths out the temperature highs and lows, guards against erosion, and might even keep some unwanted critters at bay. Try Coast of Maine Fundy Blend or Dark Harbor Blend Organic Enriching Mulch this Spring!
3. Diversify What You Grow
• Choosing adaptable plants can truly transform your garden into a resilient oasis. Understand the specifics of your region’s climate, such as temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and seasonal changes. Many regions have native plant societies or conservation groups that provide resources about plants indigenous to your area. These plants are often more adaptable to local conditions and require less water and care.
• Rotating crop location in your garden not only helps reduce the spread of stubborn diseases but also improves the surrounding soil health over time.
4. Choose Resilient Plant Varieties
• Heat tolerant varieties ensures that your garden can withstand those scorching summer days. These plants are specifically bred to thrive in high temperatures and direct sunlight, minimizing the risk of wilting or reduced yields during heat waves.
• Disease tolerant varieties can significantly reduce the need for chemical interventions. These plants have been developed to resist common pathogens and pests, ensuring healthier growth and more robust production without the constant battle against disease.
5. Transplant Appropriately
• Begin by exposing young plants to the outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time outside over a week or two. This process helps them adjust to the harsher conditions they’ll face in the garden, such as stronger sunlight, wind, and variable temperatures, thereby reducing transplant shock.
6. Insulate Plants from Temperature Swings
• Row covers are easy to use solutions for those chilly nights when temperatures dip dangerously low. Capable of maintaining a warmer environment by up to 10 degrees, they can be the difference between a thriving plant and a frostbitten one.
• Plastic covers can provide substantial protection for more severe weather plastic covers. Ensure there is a buffer between the plastic and the plants to prevent direct contact, which could lead to damage from freezing.
• Low tunnels with hoops are simple yet effective for protecting rows of plants. Covered with plastic or garden fabric, low tunnels are supported by hoops and can be installed quickly as needed.
• Cold frames, essentially miniature greenhouses, are fantastic for extending the growing season. They use solar energy to create a microclimate that provides warmth and protection during colder months.
• High tunnels or greenhouses offer a controlled environment for year-round gardening. These structures not only protect from cold but also provide a stable environment to manage heat and pests.

The journey to a resilient garden in a changing climate is ongoing and requires constant learning and adaptation. Embrace these changes with an open mind and consider them an opportunity to innovate and experiment in your gardening practices. By doing so, not only will you enhance the health and yield of your garden, but you'll also contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability and environmental stewardship. Let's continue to share knowledge, support local extension services, and grow our communities as we adapt our gardens to thrive in our ever-evolving world!

Reference:
UNH Coopertive Extension. Climate Resilient Gardening Symposium. 10 April 2024, NH Audubon Center, Auburn NH. 

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