If you’re a beginner in the world of gardening, you’ll likely have noticed that everyone is keen to offer their advice. Sure, this can be very valuable, but don’t be led astray. There are tons of common garden myths that get spread around, and if you’re not careful, they could point you in the completely wrong direction. So, to help you avoid this, let’s take a look at some of the most common myths.
All weeds are bad for your garden
It’s natural to believe the advice that all weeds are the enemy, but in reality, some can actually benefit your garden. Certain weeds can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving the fertility of your soil significantly, while others provide habitat for beneficial insects. So, instead of eradication, do your own research and figure out which weeds should be removed and which should be kept.
You should water your plants every day
A lot of people advise that you should water your plants daily, and while this could be necessary for some plants, it can lead to overwatering for a lot of them. In fact, many plants prefer deep watering once or twice a week instead, as this encourages deeper root growth, making them more resilient to drought. So, always check the soil moisture before watering, and don’t fall into the trap of using “one-size-fits-all” watering routines.
Using chemical fertilizers is the best way to boost growth
There’s no denying that chemical fertilizers can provide quick results, but in the long term, they often harm the soil’s natural ecosystem. Over time, these substances can deplete essential nutrients and lead to a reliance on chemicals, so it’s generally wiser to opt for organic options, like compost or natural fertilizers.
Coffee grounds are the ultimate garden fertilizer
It’s certainly true that coffee grounds can add nitrogen to your soil, but they’re not a miracle fertilizer. Overusing them can alter soil acidity and create imbalances, so instead of relying solely on coffee grounds, mix them in with other organic materials. A balanced approach ensures your plants receive a well-rounded diet for optimal growth–not just coffee.
The more sunlight, the better for all plants
It should go without saying that just about every plant needs some sunlight, but some actually prefer indirect sun or even deep shade. For example, leafy greens and certain flowering plants can struggle in direct sunlight, leading to wilting or sunburn. This is yet another reason why it’s so important to understand the specific needs of your plants rather than lumping them all together in the same boat.
Mulch only serves as decoration
One of the most ridiculous garden myths that you should completely ignore is that mulch is only useful as decoration. Yes, it might offer aesthetic appeal as a bonus, but the real appeal of mulch is how it helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulch even breaks down over time, enriching the soil as it decomposes, so make sure you invest in high-quality, organic mulch rather than just something that looks good as a border.
You need to prune plants to help them grow
We’re certainly not denying that pruning can be beneficial, but contrary to popular belief, not all plants require it. Actually, some plants thrive with minimal intervention, with over-pruning potentially leading to stress and growth hindrance. Ultimately, finding a balance completely depends on the plants that you are growing, so study up before you prune.
Pests are always detrimental to your garden
It can be seriously disheartening to discover pests all over your freshly sprouted plants, but don’t panic–contrary to the myth, not all garden pests are harmful. Many are friends, not pests, playing vital roles in your garden’s ecosystem. For example, ladybugs and lacewings help control harmful pest populations, whereas worms improve soil quality, and bees and butterflies work as pollinators. So, don’t just reach for pesticides at the first sight of trouble–try to identify the pest’s role in your garden.
Fertilizing in fall is unnecessary
Some gardeners believe that fertilizing in fall is a waste of time, but that’s not true at all–many plants benefit from a nutrient boost before winter. Fertilizing can help strengthen roots and prepare plants for the colder months, with a healthy root system ensuring a stronger start when spring arrives.
Organic pesticides are always safe
When possible and safe, it’s smart to use organic pesticides instead of chemical alternatives, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t still pose risks to beneficial insects and the environment. Frustratingly, not all organic substances are eco-friendly, so read up on the ingredients of different organic pesticides and application methods. Don’t overlook this because responsible usage will be crucial to ensuring that your garden remains a safe haven for both plants and wildlife.
All plants should be treated the same
You’ve probably realized by now that each plant has unique needs regarding water, sunlight, and nutrients. Therefore, assuming a one-size-fits-all approach can lead to poor growth or even death. It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many seasoned gardeners still follow a one-size-fits-all approach, much to the detriment of their garden.
You can grow any plant in any climate
Sometimes, plants can amaze us with how resilient they are, even in conditions that we would expect them to struggle in. Unfortunately, though, this has led a lot of beginner gardeners to believe that a plant’s beauty can thrive anywhere. This is far from the truth–in reality, each species has specific climate needs. For example, tropical plants struggle in cold climates, while hardy perennials may wilt in extreme heat, and unfortunately, there’s no real hack around this.
Indoor plants don’t need fertilization
Just because you decide to grow a plant indoors does not mean that you should fertilize it. If anything, you might need to focus more heavily on fertilization, as indoor environments can deplete soil nutrients quickly. Regularly fertilizing your houseplants isn’t going to hurt them, so when in doubt, just go for it.
It’s too late in the season to plant anything
It’s easy to assume that planting seasons have strict ends, but this isn’t set in stone. Ultimately, it all comes down to your region’s climate; depending on this, certain plants can thrive even in late summer or early fall, or the opposite could be the case. Timing can be flexible, so explore your options before writing off the gardening season.
Talking to plants makes them grow better
We hate to burst your bubble, but there’s no consistent scientific research that concludes that talking to our plants helps them grow. In a very subtle way, the carbon dioxide from our breath could theoretically benefit our plants, and it’s certainly not going to hurt them. At the end of the day, though, plants rely on light, water, and nutrients, so if you enjoy chatting to your plants, go ahead, but you shouldn’t consider it to be any sort of alternative to real plant care.
Bigger pots mean bigger plants
One of the most common garden myths that newbies fall for is that larger pots equal larger plants, as they have more room to grow. If only it were that simple–in reality, oversized pots can lead to waterlogged roots and slower growth. In fact, small plants actually need appropriately small containers to allow their roots to establish without drowning in excess soil. Don’t forget to re-pot them as they grow, though.
Rocks in pots improve drainage
Last but not least, you should take the advice of adding rocks to the bottom of pots to improve drainage with a pinch of salt. Despite this being a common practice to prevent waterlogged soil, it can actually trap moisture at the bottom. A better approach is to use well-draining soil mixes and ensure pots have drainage holes. This way, excess water can escape naturally without any buildup.