Debunking Gardening Myths

In this age of instant information, it’s easier than ever to stumble across advice that sounds convincing but is about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. This is especially true in gardening groups on social media. Post a question about your wilting tomatoes, and you'll soon be drowning in suggestions ranging from “whisper sweet nothings to your plants” to “sprinkle a pinch of unicorn dust” – none of which will actually help!

To cut through the compost of bad advice, here’s a light-hearted look at some common gardening myths – debunked with a wink and a spade.

"You need a green thumb to be a good gardener."

Not true! A green thumb isn’t some magical talent you're born with – it’s just a fancy way of saying you’ve learnt what works (and what doesn’t). Gardening is a skill anyone can pick up with patience, practice, and maybe a little trial-and-error. Even the best gardeners started with a few brown thumbs along the way!

"Coffee grounds are great for acidic plants."

Well, sort of – but don’t go sprinkling your morning brew leftovers everywhere just yet! While coffee grounds are acidic, their effect on soil pH is minimal and extremely slow to take hold. Plus, adding too much can temporarily lock up nitrogen in the soil, leaving your plants looking more peaky than perky. The better option? Toss the grounds into your compost heap, and in the meantime, enrich your soil with high-quality organic matter for a quicker boost.

"Eggshells will stop slugs and snails from munching on your veggies."

Oh, if only! Sadly, slugs and snails seem to have no qualms about sliming over crushed eggshells on their way to your prize lettuces. While they won’t keep these dreaded visitors away, eggshells can still be useful. Add them to your compost or soil – crushed or whole – and they’ll gradually contribute a bit of calcium to the mix. 

"Epsom salts can fix everything – including blossom end rot in tomatoes!"

Not quite. Despite its reputation as a miracle cure, Epsom salts can actually make blossom end rot worse! This condition is caused by a calcium deficiency, not a magnesium shortage. While Epsom salts can be helpful if your soil is severely lacking magnesium (common in sandy or highly acidic soils), blindly adding them without a soil test could do more harm than good. Even if magnesium is low, high levels of phosphorus in the soil can block its absorption. So, the best approach? Get a soil test, tackle any underlying nutrient imbalances, and save the Epsom salts for a bubble bath!

"Milk is great for plants – full of calcium and protein!"

For you? Absolutely. For your plants? Not so much. Pouring milk on your plants might seem like a wholesome idea, but it’s more likely to lead to trouble. Milk is an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria and fungi, which can invite plant diseases and disrupt the soil’s pH. It may even attract pests looking for a snack! That said, watered-down milk can be used as a foliar spray to combat powdery mildew.

"You should (or shouldn’t) dig your garden beds."

Ah, the great digging debate! Once upon a time, we were taught that digging reduces soil compaction, improves drainage, boosts fertility, and keeps weeds at bay. Now, along comes the ‘no dig’ or ‘no till’ movement, shaking things up like a spade in the soil. Turns out, digging disrupts billions of bacteria, fungi, and insects working hard beneath the surface. It can also collapse earthworm tunnels and release greenhouse gases from soil microbes. So, give your soil – and your arms – a well-deserved break. Instead of battling weeds with a spade, focus on improving your mulching game and let nature do the work.

"Weeds are bad and must be eradicated."
Not so fast! Gardening icon Margaret Roberts once championed ‘new herbs,’ many of which were simply plants most would dismiss as weeds. These so-called troublemakers often have a rightful place in your garden, providing food for pollinators and even stabilising disturbed soil to prevent erosion. So before you wage war on weeds, consider if they’re truly villains or just misunderstood guests in your garden.

"Organic fertilisers aren’t as effective as synthetic ones."

Wrong! In recent times, organic fertiliser have new and improved formulations and are not only effective, but they’re also much kinder to the environment. Unlike synthetic fertilisers that release nutrients all at once, organics work steadily, providing plants with a slow, sustained supply of nutrients. This helps improve plant growth over time, encourages microbial activity, and enhances soil structure. It’s like giving your plants a well-balanced meal instead of a quick sugar rush!

"Insects are pests."

Not all of them! Just because you spot bugs or beetles hanging around your garden doesn’t mean they’re up to no good. Many insects are harmless, and some are even helpful, like pollinators or predators of actual pests. Before reaching for the pesticide, take the time to identify your garden visitors. You might find the “enemy” is actually a friend! If you do have harmful critters, opt for environmentally friendly ways to manage them – your garden (and its ecosystem) will thank you. Read about Growing Bulbs in Harmony with Nature here. 

"Organic gardening pesticides are safe."

Not always. For example, pesticides containing pyrethrum, derived from chrysanthemum flowers, can be highly toxic to humans, pets, and beneficial insects. Always read the label and use any pesticide – organic or synthetic – sparingly and responsibly.

"Indigenous plants are better than exotics."

Not necessarily! While native plants are great for supporting local ecosystems, there’s no rule saying you can’t enjoy a mix of indigenous and exotic plants in your garden. In fact, a balanced approach can create a vibrant and diverse garden. The key is to be mindful. Avoid water-hungry plants during droughts and steer clear of invasive species that could outcompete local flora. Otherwise, all plants, even weeds, have their perks – from oxygen production to soil stabilisation and providing food for creatures in the garden.

There you have it, some gardening myths debunked to make you think twice, and head into a new year of gardening with a fresh perspective. 

Happy gardening!