Ep. 44 Internet Plant Science with Dr. Vikram Baliga

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 Instagram  Facebook X    Vikram’s Book: Plants to the Rescue , published by Neon Squid Books Timestamps 00:14 Intro00:30 Meet Vikram Baliga, The Plant Prof02:33 Vikram’s Podcasts: The Planthropology Podcast and DeepRoots03:37 The Challenge of Public Science Communication10:42 Plants don’t read our textbooks.12:20 Plants Always Win Stole its Name from Planthropology Merch13:04 The Evolution of Science and the Freedom to Experiment15:56 Vikram’s Home Fertilizer Hack Experiments: Rice Water, Banana Water, Oatmeal, Cinnamon, etc.18:36 How to Make Compost Tea21:22 Synthetic Commercial Fertilizers vs. Organic Fertilizers for Containers, Planters, and Gardens30:48 Vikram’s New Kids’ Book: Plants to the Rescue36:50 Gardening Hacks that Actually Work40:04 Things That Make Your Gardening Life Easier40:41 That Time Sean Hacked his Leg Open 42:32 The Best Way to Grow a Garden is In Community44:52 Find Vikram Online45:43 Outro and Contact Us