Caught my neighbor talking to his tomato plants like they were his kids

I was out on my balcony last Tuesday morning, having coffee, and I could hear him clear as day in his yard next door. He was saying stuff like, 'Alright, you three on the end, you're looking a bit pale, let's get you some food,' and 'Susie, you're growing so fast, good job.' He had actual names for them. I always figured plant talk was a quiet, private thing, or maybe just for fun. But he was totally serious, having a full conversation. It made me look at my own basil on the windowsill differently. I started just saying a quick 'good morning' to it when I water it, and I swear it's less droopy. Maybe there's something to giving them a bit of direct attention, not just water and light. Has anyone else tried giving their plants a bit of verbal encouragement and noticed a change?

2 comments

2 Comments

karen_perry381mo ago

Ever wonder if they actually hear us? I talk to my peace lily when I dust its leaves, just simple stuff. It's put out two new flowers this month, which it never did before.

grant_hart1mo ago

Honestly, that's not even a little weird. I've seen this happen with my neighbor's tomato plants. She chats with them while watering and they're the only ones on the block not getting eaten by bugs. Tbh it makes you wonder if just paying calm, regular attention to living things changes something. We're all just sharing the same air and water anyway. Maybe that quiet focus is its own kind of care, and plants pick up on the vibe.