Knowledge from Olle Garden Bed: Expose 11 Common Gardening Myths And Misconceptions

There are many misunderstandings about gardening. Some of them are not troublesome, although they may lead to additional and unnecessary work. However, others may be harmful to your garden (and sometimes even to your health). The following content also has some reference value for raised garden beds.

For this reason, we strongly recommend that you study the specific plants you are taking care of on authoritative websites. Don't just follow what your neighbors tell you, because old ladies' stories abound.

Next, we've eliminated some of the most common myths to help you avoid them altogether.

Common gardening myths and misunderstandings

1. Boil leaves with water

There is a general theory that watering plants on sunny days can amplify sunlight and burn leaves. However, this is not the case. Water evaporates before it can direct enough light to almost burn the leaves of plants. In addition, if this is true, we will see more charred leaves!

However, it is still a good idea to water the bottom of the plant or in the morning. This ensures that the water has time to soak in the soil before evaporation. Otherwise, the sun may dry the top of the soil before the bottom layer has a chance to absorb water.

Therefore, although this myth does urge us to water at the right time, the reason is not very accurate.

2. Add sand to the soil

Many plants need well drained soil. Otherwise, water can accumulate around their roots and cause problems. However, this does not mean that you should always add sand to make the soil more drained.

Sand does make soil drain better because it has poor water retention. Therefore, those clays or soils with poor drainage can consider adding it. Adding sand to the soil also hardens and compacts it. This makes it harder for plants to root and may cause less soil loss.

Therefore, it is better to add compost and organic matter to help drainage.

3. Add pine needles to get extra acid

It is generally believed that pine needles add acid to the soil so that they can be used to adjust the PH value. However, this is not entirely true. The fresh pine needles peeled from the trees are slightly acidic. However, once the pine needles fall off, they begin to lose the acid. Therefore, the pine needles "hay" and dry pine needles are no longer acidic.

Therefore, they do not affect the pH value of the soil at all.

That said, they can help control weeds and add nutrients to the soil. The reason why nothing grows under the pine trees is that their roots are shallow and compete for nutrients - not because of the acid in their pine needles.

4. Add gravel to improve drainage

It is generally recommended to add "drain material" to the bottom of the container. The idea is that water will flow well through this layer, which will improve drainage. However, this is not so useful. It only limits the amount of soil in the pot. In order for the plant to have good drainage, everything in the pot must promote the flow of water - not just the last inch or so.

Therefore, it is very important to select good topsoil to ensure good drainage of flower pots. Of course, you should also choose a flowerpot with holes. Otherwise, the water will not escape.

5. Top tree

You should never keep a certain height on a tree. Trees are programmed to maintain a specific height. If they continue to be topped, the tree will continue to try to grow to control the height. Therefore, tree top is just to prevent the inevitable.

Of course, after losing the top, the tree often gives out suction cups and tries to grow quickly to provide enough food for the root system (the root system will continue to grow at normal speed). This reduces soil and causes trees to sacrifice structural integrity for rapid growth. Obviously, this would pose a greater danger.

6. Dress tree wound

In general, it is recommended that tree wounds be coated with tar, paint or sealant to protect them from disease and insects. However, trees have a natural healing process, and the sealant will only interfere. Therefore, you will do more damage to the tree than help it (and spend extra money in the process). Callus will naturally form on the cut to help the trees keep healthy.

Therefore, your best choice is to let the tree do what it should do.

7. Add sugar to the soil of sweet fruits

This is the story of an old lady. Adding sugar to the soil will lead to sweeter fruits or vegetables. However, there is absolutely no truth behind this. Plants do not absorb sugar from the soil and deposit it in the fruit. This is not the case.

If you want sweeter fruits, your best choice is to provide your plants with enough water and sunlight. Healthy plants produce healthy fruits.

8. Use surplus tea in fertilizer

It is well known that tea contains various nutrients. However, it is not always the best choice for fertilizer. Not all nutrients in tea are necessary for plants. Other nutrients may actually hinder the growth of plants. Tea is not formulated for plants, so it may not contain the correct nutrients unless mixed with other materials.

Tea can be an excellent supplement to the compost heap. However, it should not be the only fertilizer you use.

9. Always plant in rows

Gardens have traditionally been planted in carefully arranged rows. However, this is not necessary and will actually encourage disease and pests. Instead, you may want to mix different plants together to slow the spread of pests and diseases. Interplanting with matching principles can help your whole garden be healthier.

Rather than planting the same type of plants next to each other, it is better to mix plants to reduce competition.

10. Remove leaves to accelerate fruit ripening

A common misconception is that vegetables and fruits (such as tomatoes) need sunlight to help them mature. Therefore, removing the leaves may help the ripening process, as it allows more sunlight to reach the fruit. However, this is not true at all.

Tomatoes and other fruits ripen without sunlight. They do it at their own pace. Removing the leaves will only result in insufficient energy, leading to smaller and less delicious fruits. Therefore, leave the leaves alone and let the plants ripen naturally.

11. Pick up the grass scraps

Many people think that leaving newspaper clipping will hurt their lawn when they put grass on the bag grass. However, newspaper clipping actually stimulates microorganisms, making your grass healthier and adding nutrients to the soil. Over time, picking up newspaper clippings may cause problems such as thatching.

Instead of spending time picking up newspaper clippings, it is better to leave them in place. If you are really worried, please buy a cover mower.

Many garden misconceptions have been handed down. For one reason or another, these misunderstandings will not disappear. We strongly recommend that you study any preconceived notions of gardening before taking action. You never know when you may believe something without scientific support.