Although we all know that our inhalation of smoke from forest fires is dangerous to our health we should know that it affects our plants as well and not all of it is bad. If the smoke is dense, close or long lasting it can coat the leaves with soot, this plugs the pores or stoma that plants use to take in carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. This interferes with photosynthesis which is how plants gets its energy for growth and production. This will cause leaf drop and colour fading as wellThe abundance of smoke causes Ozone damage as this smoke causes a ground level Ozone that will interfere with the development of the plant as well as cause yellow spotting or colour fading. I have noticed yellow spotting on my Nasturtium and wondered what was causing it. That is what is so dangerous for our bodies inhaling it.
This wild fire smoke is better than exposure to Tobacco smoke which also carries viruses like the mosaic virus that is very harmful to plants like Tomatoes. Forest fire smoke also affects the pollination of plants as fewer pollinators are out and active. Most plants will bounce back ounce the smoke clears with no long term damage. You can assist your plants by rinsing the leaves off really well removing any coating of smoke or ash that is on them. Continue watering and caring for your plants through this period. Be sure to wash well any produce harvested before consuming it. Some plants like trees and a few others actually stop the respiration of carbon dioxide and expiration of oxygen during very smoky periods virtually holding their breath.
There are some beneficial aspects to the increase of smoke. Smoke increases the amount of carbon dioxide available to the plant. It also diffuses the strength of the sun which gives the plant relief from intense sun and heat.
Unfortunately the smoke is very bad for the wine industry as it contains volatile phenols which affect the taste of the grapes and can be easily smelled once fermented. This causes Smoke Taint which refers to the undesirable ashy, smokey aroma that will be produced with grapes that are exposed to the smoke while ripening. This ripening which should be occurring over the next coupe of months. The wine fermented from the grapes affected will only show these traits after they have been fermented and there is no way to tell if the grapes have been affected before hand by smell or taste.
We all have had enough smoke and fear of fire for one summer however we are not out of the woods yet. Although some of my weather channels say we should get some rain by mid to late this week others are not too positive on that. The heat will continue but not at the extreme degree we have been experiencing hopefully that nasty wind that has added to the mix will back off.
Many people have been forced out of their homes and many have outright lost their homes. There are many things that we can do to assist these people with some small but vital gifts that will help them until they transition into new homes. Right now the need for Baby supplies including wipes, diapers, bottles and other supplies are needed. Clothing of all sizes is needed as many got away with nothing. Toiletries, new socks and underwear, Games and activities for children and teens, Pet supplies and non perishable food for both humans and pets. These can all be dropped off at Seaton School in Vernon and will be greatly appreciated!
Happy Gardening!
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567
sam1nason@gmail.com
