Can plants predict the weather?In this episode of The Growers Show, we explore some of the fascinating plants that seem to know when rain, frost, or changing weather is on the way.From Texas sage bursting into bloom before a rainfall, to pine cones closing up ahead of wet weather, to dandelions folding their flowers shut before a storm, plants often respond to subtle environmental changes long before humans notice them.We discuss:• Why Texas sage is known as the "barometer bush"• How pine cones react to humidity• Why dandelions close before rain• Rhododendrons that curl their leaves before a freeze• Other plants that serve as natural weather indicators• The science behind these remarkable adaptationsAlong the way we dive into gardening folklore, plant biology, and whether some old-fashioned weather wisdom may have been right all along.If you enjoy botany, gardening, native plants, weather, and strange plant behavior, this episode is for you.As always, expect plenty of plant facts, questionable jokes, and a healthy amount of chaos.

In this episode, we explore some of the oldest seeds ever successfully germinated—and the results are honestly hard to believe.From ancient lotus seeds hundreds of years old, to 2,000-year-old Judean date palm seeds recovered from archaeological sites, to plants regenerated from 30,000-year-old Siberian genetic material frozen in permafrost… scientists have discovered that some plants can survive far longer than anyone expected.We discuss:How seeds can remain viable for centuries or even millenniaThe famous Judean date palm revivalAncient lotus seeds that still germinated after hundreds of yearsThe controversial 30,000-year-old Siberian plant experimentsWhat these discoveries reveal about plant biology and survivalAnd of course, things become slightly less scientific once we start imagining ancient gardeners accidentally time-traveling through seed storage.If you enjoy botany, archaeology, ancient history, weird science, and chaotic plant discussions, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of growing plants in space—from the very first seeds launched into orbit to modern gardens aboard the International Space Station.Long before humans dreamed seriously about living on Mars, scientists were already asking an important question:👉 Can plants survive in space?We trace the history of space botany through:Early satellite experimentsSoviet and Russian plant-growing programsNASA research aboard the ISSThe first flowers and vegetables grown in orbitThe challenges of growing plants in microgravityAnd why future Moon and Mars missions may depend on plants more than we realizeWe also discuss how plants could help astronauts psychologically, recycle air and water, and eventually become a critical part of long-term human survival beyond Earth.From tiny seeds in orbit to futuristic Martian greenhouses, the story of plants in space is far stranger—and more important—than most people realize.If you enjoy botany, science history, space exploration, or weird experiments, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we read and discuss some of the most moving and unforgettable ibogaine experience reports we’ve come across.Unlike many psychedelic stories that focus on visuals or chaos, these reports are deeply personal—centered around addiction, trauma, healing, and confronting the past.One story follows a man struggling with a decades-long opiate addiction who says a single ibogaine experience completely changed the course of his life. Another comes from someone who felt lost and disconnected, only to emerge from the experience with a renewed sense of meaning and purpose.Many people who describe ibogaine experiences talk about encountering a guiding presence or “spirit of the iboga” that forces them to revisit painful memories, personal mistakes, and unresolved trauma in a way they had never experienced before.In this episode, we discuss:Why ibogaine is receiving renewed attention in addiction researchThe emotional and psychological themes common in ibogaine reportsTrauma, memory, and personal transformationThe fascinating cultural history of the iboga plantAnd what these stories may reveal about the human mindAs always, we approach these stories with curiosity, respect, and a healthy amount of discussion along the way.

Did trees in Australia once eat people… or is this just one of the wildest plant myths ever?In this episode, we dive into a bizarre Reddit thread that compiles historical newspaper clippings and first-hand accounts of so-called man-eating trees. These stories describe massive, tentacle-like plants that could trap and consume animals—and possibly humans.Naturally, we had to investigate.We read through the original accounts, break down where these stories came from, and try to figure out:Were these just exaggerated newspaper myths?Could something like this actually exist?And why do so many cultures have stories about dangerous, predatory plants?We also compare these legends to real-life plants like Puya chilensis—a very real (and very spiky) plant known for trapping and killing animals. So… is it really that far-fetched?Expect a mix of history, plant science, internet chaos, and questionable conclusions as we try to separate fact from fiction.As always, things get a little out of hand

Ibogaine is one of the most talked-about plant compounds in the world right now—but what is it, and why is it suddenly back in the spotlight?Unfortunately we also had some other pressing issues to attend to while we recorded the episode... but we still got it done! We just love podcasting so much :)In this episode, we dive into ibogaine, a naturally occurring compound derived from the African plant Tabernanthe iboga, traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies and now being studied for its potential role in treating addiction, PTSD, and depression.We break down:Why ibogaine has re-entered public conversation after recent high-profile discussions (between JOE ROGAN + TRUMP!!!!)How it’s being researched for addiction and mental health treatmentThe history of its traditional useWhat the science currently says (and what it doesn’t)And of course… some of the most intense and fascinating experience reports we could findSome people describe ibogaine as life-changing. Others describe it as overwhelming, difficult, and not something to take lightly.As always, we approach this topic with curiosity, humor, and a healthy amount of skepticism.

What if a single tree connected every world in existence?In this episode, we dive into Yggdrasil, the legendary world tree from Norse mythology—a massive cosmic tree said to link together all realms, including gods, humans, and the underworld.But this isn’t just some ancient story…We break down:The 9 realms connected by YggdrasilThe strange creatures living inside it (yes… including a dragon and a chaotic squirrel)The symbolism behind the tree and what it may representPossible real-world inspirations for the mythAnd of course… our completely serious attempt to understand it (which goes off the rails pretty fast)As plant lovers, we also ask:👉 Could a tree like this exist in reality?👉 Are there real plants that resemble a “world tree”?👉 And why do so many cultures have similar myths?Expect a mix of mythology, plant science, and chaos as we explore one of the most fascinating trees ever imagined.

In this episode of The Growers Show, we dive into some of the strangest and most mysterious plants ever described—plants that sound completely made up… but might have some truth behind them.From a so-called magnetic cactus that pulls people into its spines, to giant carnivorous plants rumored to eat animals, we explore the line between botanical reality and pure myth.We also look at bizarre historical accounts of plants that supposedly existed, including:A magnetic cactus said to kill anything that gets too closeA massive, man-eating flower that lures people in with its scentSeaweed rumored to grant eternal lifeGiant pitcher plants in New Jersey large enough to consume animalsAre these just exaggerated stories, or could there be real plants behind the legends?Along the way, we break down the science, the history, and the possibility behind these myths—all while keeping things as chaotic and entertaining as usual.If you’re into weird plants, botany, folklore, or unexplained mysteries, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we explore some of the most fascinating extinct plants in history, including one of the most legendary of them all: silphium.Silphium was a plant so valuable in the ancient world that it was said to be worth its weight in gold. Used in Roman cuisine, medicine, and trade, it became one of the most sought-after plants in history, until it disappeared completely.We discuss:What silphium was and why it was so valuableHow it was used in ancient RomeTheories on why it went extinctOther well-known plants that have been lost to historyWhat plant extinction can teach us todayFrom overharvesting to environmental change, the story of silphium is a powerful example of how even the most important plants aren’t immune to disappearing forever.The Growers Show Podcast explores plant history, ecology, and the relationship between humans and the natural world, including the stories of what we’ve lost along the way.

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most beautiful and underrated trees of early spring: the redbud.If you’ve ever noticed bright pink flowers popping up on trees before anything else has even started to leaf out, chances are you were looking at a redbud. These trees are often one of the very first signs that winter is ending and spring is finally arriving.We break down:Why redbud trees bloom so earlyThe unique way their flowers grow directly from the branches and trunkTheir role in native ecosystems across North AmericaThe history and cultural significance of redbudsWhy they might be one of the best ornamental trees you can plantWhether you’re into plant identification, native species, or just appreciate the moment spring starts to show itself, redbuds are hard to miss once you know what to look for.If you’ve been seeing these trees everywhere lately, now you know why.