Grow The Future

Melinda Knuth

🎙️ Grow the Future Where horticulture research meets real-world impact. Welcome to Grow the Future, a podcast that bridges the gap between academic horticultural marketing research and the vibrant world of industry, outreach, and education. Each episode breaks down popular and emerging research articles in horticulture and floriculture and translates them into accessible, actionable insights for professionals, educators, and curious minds alike. Whether you're working in floriculture, fruit and vegetable production, or simply passionate about plants and education, this podcast is your companion in growing both knowledge and community. 🌿 What makes this podcast different? We’re not just about science. We’re about communicating science. You’ll hear tips on how to translate high-level academic research into something meaningful for non-academic audiences. ✨ Expect thoughtful content, fun moments, and a genuine passion for helping others grow the future in their businesses, greenhouses, or fields. So plug in, dig in, and let’s grow something great together.

Episodes

  1. Apr 29

    Houseplant Blooming

    Ever heard of the term "plant parent" and thought "Where did this term come from?" In this episode, we dive into "plant parents" and the houseplant boom that arose in 2020! Episode Resources: -Campbell, B. L., Rihn, A. L., & Campbell, J. H. (2021). Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on plant purchasing in the southeastern United States. Agribusiness, 37(S1), 142–159. -Collins, A. (2025, April 18). How Millennials, Gen Z are lowering birth rates around the world. Newsweek. -Epley N, Akalis S, Waytz A, Cacioppo JT. (2008) Creating social connection through inferential reproduction: loneliness and perceived agency in gadgets, gods, and greyhounds. Psychol Sci.(2):114-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02056.x. PMID: 18271858. -Hawkins, J. (2024, January 25). Breaking down the data: How has homeownership varied across generations? Berkeley Initiative for Young Americans. -Leppänen, S. (2026). Planting in the pandemic: surveillance on social media. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 47(1), 58–73. -Montemorano, J. (2024, December 2). The rise of plant parenthood: How millennials are nurturing green companions. Rx Healthy Habits. -Pérez-Urrestarazu, L. Kaltsidi, M.P., et al., (2021) Particularities of having plants at home during the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening,Volume 59,2021,126919,ISSN 1618-8667. - Stremmel, K. (2022). Houseplants boomed during the pandemic. Gen Z and millennials say the popularity is here to stay. -Snier, M. (2024, June 4). Top 10 most wanted rare houseplants. Thursd. -SWNS Digital. (2020). Why 7 in 10 millennials consider themselves “plant parents.” -Leppänen, S. (2026). Planting in the pandemic: surveillance on social media. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 47(1), 58–73. -Pérez-Urrestarazu, L. Kaltsidi, M.P., et al., (2021) Particularities of having plants at home during the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening,Volume 59,2021,126919,ISSN 1618-8667. - Stremmel, K. (2022). Houseplants boomed during the pandemic. Gen Z and millennials say the popularity is here to stay. -SWNS Digital. (2020). Why 7 in 10 millennials consider themselves “plant parents.”

    22 min

About

🎙️ Grow the Future Where horticulture research meets real-world impact. Welcome to Grow the Future, a podcast that bridges the gap between academic horticultural marketing research and the vibrant world of industry, outreach, and education. Each episode breaks down popular and emerging research articles in horticulture and floriculture and translates them into accessible, actionable insights for professionals, educators, and curious minds alike. Whether you're working in floriculture, fruit and vegetable production, or simply passionate about plants and education, this podcast is your companion in growing both knowledge and community. 🌿 What makes this podcast different? We’re not just about science. We’re about communicating science. You’ll hear tips on how to translate high-level academic research into something meaningful for non-academic audiences. ✨ Expect thoughtful content, fun moments, and a genuine passion for helping others grow the future in their businesses, greenhouses, or fields. So plug in, dig in, and let’s grow something great together.