Gardening and Air Pollution
Amy Whittle
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Air pollution is known as a serious threat to humans, but did you know it also greatly affects plants? Just as humans can get asthma from living in smoggy areas, plants experience sickness if there 
is excess pollution in the air. Not only can smog and other types of air pollution inhibit plant growth, it can also prevent a plant from looking as it should.
There is very little protection available for outdoor gardens in areas with high air pollutions. Planting container gardens indoors is the most effective, and only alternative if you are determined to grow your favorite plants. You can also consider planting different plants that may resist the poor air quality.
This is a serious problem not only for the casual gardener, but commercial growers as well. Places where plants once thrived, like areas of the southern California, can no longer support the plants that grew there less than fifteen years ago. Because of this impact into commercial agriculture, there has been some research indicating what plants can no longer be grown in high pollution areas. This information tends to center around crops, and may not be useful to the common gardener.
If you cannot find research that indicates what plants do well in your area, consider doing some asking of your own. Long time residents of the area may know what plants do well. Another source of good information is to ask your local gardening center. If the center is committed to preserving its business it will be sure to know what plants thrive in the area. Also look around you when walking or driving your neighborhood. Notice what plants are particularly beautiful and plan on planting some of your own.
Local universities may also have agriculture divisions that make information on air pollution and plants known to the public. This is perhaps your most reliable source of knowledge. Often academics are excited to share knowledge from their field. Look for publications from the university, website articles, or even talks given that are open to the public.
There is very little protection available for outdoor gardens in areas with high air pollutions. Planting container gardens indoors is the most effective, and only alternative if you are determined to grow your favorite plants. You can also consider planting different plants that may resist the poor air quality.
This is a serious problem not only for the casual gardener, but commercial growers as well. Places where plants once thrived, like areas of the southern California, can no longer support the plants that grew there less than fifteen years ago. Because of this impact into commercial agriculture, there has been some research indicating what plants can no longer be grown in high pollution areas. This information tends to center around crops, and may not be useful to the common gardener.
If you cannot find research that indicates what plants do well in your area, consider doing some asking of your own. Long time residents of the area may know what plants do well. Another source of good information is to ask your local gardening center. If the center is committed to preserving its business it will be sure to know what plants thrive in the area. Also look around you when walking or driving your neighborhood. Notice what plants are particularly beautiful and plan on planting some of your own.
Local universities may also have agriculture divisions that make information on air pollution and plants known to the public. This is perhaps your most reliable source of knowledge. Often academics are excited to share knowledge from their field. Look for publications from the university, website articles, or even talks given that are open to the public.
- Apples, cherries, and most citrus fruits are no longer grown in areas with high air pollution.
- Violets, orchids, and zinnias are examples of common plants that can't be grown with smog.
- Look for hardier plants to grow if you want a garden in an area that has high air pollution.