How climate change is affecting gardening and horticulture

• Asia Tabb
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
  Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.

Heat wave of extreme sun and sky background. Hot weather with global warming concept. Temperature of Summer season.

aired; May 18, 2026

Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation. 

From longer growing seasons to stronger storms and increasing pest pressure, climate change is reshaping the way plants grow and how gardeners and growers respond.

Horticulturalist Erica Jo Shaffer joins The Spark to discuss the changing conditions affecting gardens, landscapes, and crops—from heat stress and shifting bloom times to drought, flooding, and invasive species. The conversation also explores how warmer winters and unpredictable weather patterns are impacting soil health, irrigation needs, and plant survival.

Shaffer shares how horticultural practices are adapting through strategies like crop diversification, water conservation, and climate-resilient plant varieties, while also offering insight into what these environmental shifts could mean for the future of growing in Pennsylvania and beyond.