They say music is food for the soul. So, when we're feeling the blues a little more, many of us turn to music to help us feel better. But do plants also benefit from music the way we do? Do they even have the ability to perceive music like we do?
• How Did Plants and Music First Find Each Other?
In 1973, authors Christopher Bird and Peter Tompkins published the book titled "The Secret Life of Plants", talking about the "spiritual, physical, and emotional connections between plants and man."
They referenced studies that claimed plants benefitted from exposure to music, hinting at their claims that plants not only grow better due to music but also have consciousness levels that allow them to intelligently respond to us.
Some researchers also conducted studies by exposing their plants to classical musical instruments and experimented with a variety of instruments to understand which worked better.
Through the exposure of these plants to Indian classical music, researchers at Annamalia University concluded that their green companions reacted most positively to the violin.
Additionally, another engineer researcher also exposed his crops to Bach's classical music and noted a 66% in crop yield.
So, maybe our plants are more fond calming jazz tunes after all!
• Have Claims of Their Relationship Been Proven?
If you're wondering -"does this mean my plants can actually hear the music I play for them?", then we hate to break this to you! Scientists are unsure and are still researching the effects of music on plants. So, scientifically, there is nothing to prove that there is music to help plants grow. However, sometimes, it just so happens to work.
This phenomenon has various potential explanations but some stand to be merely fringe beliefs. Some even go as far as believing that plants possess a sixth sense because of which they 'turn away' from rock music - due to their lyrics.
There is just one scientific explanation that still stands to be the most plausible one. This talks about 'cytoplasmic streaming' - the process that plants use to transport their nutrients through and within their fluids. It states that the vibrations produced by music could potentially act as a catalyst in this streaming process. This could also be the reason that some trees grow well around chirpy birds and strong breezes.
• Can You Use Music for Gardening?
Well, sure! While there is no substantial evidence for plants and music, and whether or not it benefits them, there's no harm in trying. As long as you don't throw your speakers next to your plant and crank up the volume, you should be good.
There are also no particular types of music for plant growth but many swear by classical jazz and other calming tunes, which they say have helped their plants blossom and thrive.
So, will you be experimenting with different genres and their effects on your plants?
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