Does Music Help Plants Grow? Exploring Myths, Theories, and Science + A Garden-inspired Playlist on Spotify

Music has long been celebrated as a universal language, capable of uplifting spirits, calming minds, and sparking creativity. But can it extend its magical touch to plants? The idea that music might influence plant growth has intrigued gardeners and scientists alike, inspiring experiments, debates, and myths. Let’s explore the fascinating world of plants and music to separate fact from fiction.

The Origins of the Myth

The concept of music affecting plant growth gained traction in the 1970s when Dorothy Retallack, author of The Sound of Music and Plants, conducted experiments that suggested plants exposed to classical music grew better than those subjected to rock music or silence. Her findings captivated the public, sparking curiosity and a wave of anecdotal evidence from gardening enthusiasts.

But is there real science behind these claims, or is it just wishful thinking?

Theories Behind Music and Plant Growth

While plants don’t have ears or a nervous system, some theories suggest that sound waves and vibrations might influence their growth in the following ways:

1. Vibrations and Cellular Activity Plants may respond to the vibrations produced by sound waves. These vibrations could stimulate protoplasmic movement within the plant cells, enhancing nutrient uptake and overall growth.
2. Stress Reduction Some researchers propose that calming music reduces stress in plants, much like it does in humans. Lower stress levels might result in healthier growth patterns.
3. Stimulation of Hormones Sound waves might trigger the production of growth hormones such as auxins, which play a crucial role in cell elongation and division.

What Science Says

Scientific studies on this topic have yielded mixed results. While some experiments support the idea that music influences plant growth, others find no significant effect. Here are a few notable studies:

• Positive Results: A 2007 study by researchers at South Korea’s National Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology found that plants exposed to classical music showed increased gene expression related to photosynthesis.
• No Effect: Other studies have found no measurable difference in the growth of plants exposed to music versus silence. Critics argue that factors like light, water, and soil quality play a much larger role in plant health.
• Negative Impact: In some cases, exposing plants to excessively loud or discordant music appeared to stunt their growth, possibly due to stress caused by disruptive vibrations.

The Role of the Gardener

Interestingly, the effect of music on plants might have more to do with you than the plants themselves. Playing music can enhance your mood, encouraging you to spend more time tending to your garden. This increased attention—watering, pruning, and checking for pests—is what truly benefits your plants.

As Luther Burbank, the famous horticulturist, once said, “The secret of improved plant breeding, apart from scientific knowledge, is love.” Your care and presence might be the real secret ingredient.

Myth or Magical Reality?

While the scientific evidence remains inconclusive, the idea of music helping plants grow continues to capture imagination. Whether it’s the soothing vibrations or simply the joy it brings to gardeners, there’s no harm in experimenting with a little music in your garden.

If you’re intrigued, check out the Gardenuity garden-inspired playlist on Spotify-

1. “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
   A classic tune to brighten up your gardening routine.
2. “Plantasia” – Mort Garson
   From the album Mother Earth’s Plantasia, a collection of soothing electronic music “for plants and the people who love them.”
3. “Bloom” – The Paper Kites
   A gentle, acoustic ode to growth and love.
4. “Wildflowers” – Tom Petty
   Celebrate the beauty of wild and free-growing flowers.
5. “Cherry Blossom Girl” – Air
   A dreamy, mellow track perfect for a quiet gardening moment.
6. “Gardening at Night” – R.E.M.
   An indie rock track that pays homage to after-hours gardening.
7. “Marigold” – Nirvana
   A grunge-y yet melodic nod to this vibrant flower.
8. “Everything in Its Right Place” – Radiohead
   A reminder that every seed has its place in the garden and life.
9. “Dirt” – Phish
   A heartfelt tune about the grounding power of nature.
10. “Flowers in Your Hair” – The Lumineers
    Light and upbeat, this is perfect for a playful garden moment.
11. “Secret Garden” – Bruce Springsteen
    A soulful song about a space of beauty and mystery.
12. “The Garden” – Ruth B.
    A magical ballad about finding solace and beauty in nature.
13. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” – Green Day
    For the reflective moments when not every plant thrives.
14. “Sugar Magnolia” – Grateful Dead
    A love song filled with imagery of flowers and sunshine.
15. “Harvest Moon” – Neil Young
    A soothing melody to celebrate the fruits of your gardening labor.
16. “Sunflower” – Post Malone & Swae Lee
    A modern, catchy tune to energize your day.
17. “Strawberry Fields Forever” – The Beatles
    Another Beatles classic that feels right for daydreaming among the plants.
18. “Veggie Tales Theme Song” – VeggieTales
    A whimsical pick for the young (or young at heart) gardeners.
19. “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On” – Jimmy Buffett
    A calm reminder to enjoy the journey of gardening, even with setbacks.
20. “Garden Song” – Phoebe Bridgers
    A hauntingly beautiful track about growth and nature.

A few more of our favorites and a link to the Gardenuity Spotify Playlist:

• Build me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
• Let It Grow – Eric Clapton
• Tupelo Honey – Van Morrison
• Garden Party – Ricky Nelson
• Where the Green Grass Grows – Tim McGraw
• In The Garden – Alan Jackson
• Turn off The News & Build a Garden – Willie Nelson
• I Feel The Earth Move – Carole King
• Sowing The Seeds of Love – Tears for fears
• here Comes the Rain Again – Annie Lennox
• Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves

Whether it’s myth, science, or a mix of both, the idea that music might help plants grow adds an enchanting layer to gardening. At the very least, it’s a delightful way to combine your love for plants and music. And who knows? Your garden might just become the next great audience for your favorite playlist.