The Secret Social Life of Plants

What’s really happening under your garden while you’re making a cup of tea

Most of us look at our gardens and see what’s happening above the ground — leaves, flowers, bees doing their thing. But what’s going on underneath? That’s where the real action is. Beneath the soil, plants are basically running their own underground neighbourhood group chat.

Yes — really.

Plants talk to each other (kind of)

Plants are connected through vast underground fungal networks, often called the “wood wide web.” These networks link plant roots together and allow them to share nutrients, water, and even information. Think of it like this:

One plant goes, “Hey, I’m low on nutrients.”

Another replies, “I’ve got some spare — here you go.”

A third says, “Heads up, there’s a pest coming from the north.”

It’s not conversation as we know it, but it’s communication all the same.

Sharing is caring (literally)

Through these underground networks, plants can:

• Share nutrients with weaker neighbours

• Support young plants until their roots establish

• Send warning signals about pests or stress

• Balance resources across the whole garden

It’s less survival of the fittest, and more community support system.

The most extensive relationship on earth

What this means for your garden

When you plant a mix of species and let roots grow naturally, you’re not creating chaos — you’re building relationships underground. Healthy soil acts like a neighbourhood where everyone helps out:

• Strong plants lend a hand to weaker ones

• Microbes and fungi act as messengers

• Nutrients get passed around efficiently

This is why gardens with diversity often look healthier and need less intervention.

Why “messy” gardens often thrive

When we over-tidy — constantly digging, turning, and disturbing soil — we interrupt these underground networks. Leaving roots in place, letting leaf litter sit, and allowing plants to coexist gives these systems time to establish. It’s not neglect. It’s cooperation.

The big idea

Your garden isn’t just a collection of plants — it’s a community. And beneath the surface, there’s a quiet conversation happening all the time. Plants sharing resources. Roots supporting one another. Life quietly working together.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply let it.

Kat