It seems like every summer now, a familiar haze blankets large parts of North America. We check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) or PM2.5 levels before stepping outside, grab an N95 mask to walk the dog, and worry about what this toxic soup is doing to our lungs.
But as you stand in your backyard looking through that eerie orange or gray sky, you have to wonder: what about the garden? Your tomatoes, hostas, and apple trees are stuck outside breathing this stuff 24 hours a day.
Does wildfire smoke harm plants?
The internet is full of conflicting advice. Some bloggers claim smoke is great for gardens because it blocks harsh sunlight and provides carbon dioxide. Others warn that your vegetables are absorbing deadly toxins and should be thrown into the landfill.
The reality is that the smoke has both positive and negative effects. Let’s dig into the data and look at what wildfire smoke really does to plant physiology.
Watch the Video version of this blog post: https://youtu.be/vlneaGoBvIs
Key Takeaways
- Wildfire smoke stresses plants.
- You can help plants survive.
- Produce is safe to eat provided you wash it correctly.
