(Natural News) Plant biodiversity serves as a natural method for controlling pests and can potentially reduce the need for environmentally harmful pesticides, according to a recent study. Researchers from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) revealed in their report that plant communities with diverse species support insect predator populations while depriving the pests themselves of their preferred food […]

(Natural News) Experts during a debate hosted by the Royal Geographical Society of London made two announcements regarding the nature of bees: one, that they are the most important living beings on the planet, and two, that they are at risk of extinction. As noted by the Earthwatch Institute during the debates, bees around the […]

(Natural News) A study published in the journal Open Agriculture suggests that Mars and the moon may be able to support crops and yield viable seeds. Researchers from Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands have successfully grown and harvested crops from Mars and moon soil simulants. These soil simulants were developed by the National Aeronautics and Space […]

(Natural News) Plants and fungi are crucial to sustaining life, providing food, medicine and biofuel. But around 40 percent or two-fifths of all plant species worldwide, including those first identified in 2019, could be facing extinction, according to a recent report from London’s Kew Gardens. The latest assessment, State of the World’s Plants and Fungi, draws upon […]

(Natural News) Many people have taken up gardening both as a hobby and a way of sustaining their food supply. If you have a wide enough backyard, there are plenty of crops you can grow. Those who are living in packed cities, however, have done away with row gardening because of lack of space and […]

(Natural News) While much has been written about nanomaterials and the benefits they will give humans, not as much thought has been given to how they can benefit plants. A recent study looks to change that, exploring how nanomaterials may be able to give plants “super” abilities. The researchers, who presented their study at the […]

(Natural News) “Urban Forest,” a 30-story mixed-use high-rise in Brisbane, Australia, is poised to become the greenest building around the globe in the most literal sense. The building itself is set to be raised up on large columns that resemble tree trunks. It includes 382 apartments and a stepped facade that doubles as extended balconies for […]

(Natural News) In Andy Weir’s science fiction novel turned Hollywood blockbuster “The Martian,” lead character Mark Watney survives on Mars by using his botany skills to grow a small farm in his habitat. While this concept of growing plants on Mars may seem like pure science fiction now, real-life botanists want to make it a reality. At […]

(Natural News) Talking to plants is neither an uncommon habit among gardeners and plant enthusiasts, nor is it a modern notion. Strange as it might sound or appear to an onlooker, people talk to their plants for a host of reasons. Some do it as a form of social interaction. Others might talk to their […]

(Natural News) You don’t need to have a “green thumb” to successfully grow your own plants – oftentimes, all it takes is preparation. Take seeds, for example. Starting seeds can be easy and rewarding. Even if you have never started any type of plant from seed, it isn’t that daunting – but there are some […]