Montana Gardeners Face New Challenges as Climate Continues to Change
Gardeners in Montana are facing new challenges as the state's climate continues to change. Greg Price, director of River Road Farm near Missoula, has noticed that corn plants are struggling to recover from extreme weather events. In July, a wind storm flattened his corn stalks, which then stood back up but were later blown down again, affecting pollination and yield.
Climate expert Abiya Saeed notes that Montana's average temperature has increased by 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century, causing plants and insect life cycles to be disrupted. She explains that historically frigid winters have given gardeners an advantage, but warmer temperatures are now allowing multiple generations of pest insects per year.
Genevieve Jessop Marsh and Greg Price discuss weeds in a carrot patch at River Road Farm. Photo by Ellis Juhlin. Credit: Ellis Juhlin
Rachael Jones, executive director of Farm to School Park County, says her nonprofit has focused on growing crops that can thrive in the changing climate, such as carrots, garlic, and onions.