The First Plants on the Space Shuttle (GotG56)

In the summer of 1863, a world-famous English botanist was pondering why the shoots of climbing plants twirl around as they grow. In this episode, join Emma the Space Gardener as she explores the fascinating world of plant movement, and what that has to do with the first plants that ever flew on NASA’s space shuttle.

01:39 An English summer with Charles Darwin

05:08 Exploring competing theories, with Allan H. Brown

06:21 Space Shuttle Columbia takes to the skies with the HEFLEX Bioengineering Test (HBT)

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Hello, and welcome to Gardeners of the Galaxy, the podcast for all of the sentient beings in the Universe who have a passion for plants. I’m Emma the Space Gardener, and I will be your host as we explore gardening on Earth… and beyond!]

Plants don’t move… do they? We’re used to the idea that plants are rooted in one spot, which botanists call sessile. But that doesn’t mean they don’t move at all, and we’re used to the idea of them growing and turning towards the light, although those movements are usually too slow for us to catch them in the act.

This episode started with a question (what were the first plants to fly on NASA’s space shuttle?), the answer to which takes us on a journey back in time to meet one of the world’s most famous botanists.

Before we get to that, I’d like to thank each and every one of you who supports the show, whether that’s via a financial contribution or by sharing it with friends and colleagues. Gardeners of the Galaxy wouldn’t exist with you! If you’d like to find out more about the different ways to help out, visit theunconventionalgardener.com/boosters.

Now if you’ll join me in the time