The Internet is often the first place we seek answers to questions about almost anything imaginable. We can type anything into the search bar, and an endless stream of content populates with various articles and blog posts about the topic, instantly filling us with knowledge, even some we didn’t know we needed.
Even this post you might have stumbled upon via a keyword search of “gardening myths,” hoping to be enlightened with tips and tricks about the best methods to growing a prosperous garden. And if that’s the case, we’re glad you did, as we’ve gathered three gardening myths that commonly circulate the web that you should stop believing this instant.
We spoke to gardening experts who debunked these myths and cleared the air on why following them could actually be doing more harm than good to your garden. You might even be taken aback by these mistakes that you thought were helping your garden flourish but instead became a detriment to its growth.
So, rid your mind of everything else you’ve ever learned about gardening and prepare to be astonished by the truth about these gardening myths.
Daily watering
It’s been ingrained in our heads since we were in kindergarten learning how to grow our first seedling that plants should be watered regularly to prosper. However, daily watering could have the opposite effect on your plant.
If you’ve noticed your plant isn’t perking up after your daily watering sessions, it’s most likely because it’s getting too much water and drowning from all the excess liquid. (Yes, that is possible, going against everything we ever learned about plant growth).
“Many people believe that daily watering of plants remains crucial,” says Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery in Altamont, Tennessee. “My gardening practice shows that deep, infrequent watering produces stronger roots, which most plants respond to better,” she instead suggests.
However, while we should be mindful of our plant’s water consumption, how much H₂O they get depends on a few factors, like the type of plant, pot size, and weather conditions. The Missouri Botanical Gardens provides a helpful guide on its website to avoid overwatering and how to reverse the damage if that happens.
Increased fertilizer
Another common belief gardeners have is that your plants are better off with an increased amount of fertilizer. However, experts say that’s not exactly accurate. Fertilizer encourages plants’ growth by supplying nutrients, allowing it to produce leaves, stems, flowers, and crops.
While it might seem like adding more fertilizer is a no-brainer in establishing a healthier plant, the results are quite the contrary. According to Sons, “soil and plants can become damaged by excessive fertilization,” significantly stunting their growth or even killing them.
Global irrigation company Rivulis breaks down the signs that you could be over-fertilizing your plants, including rotting roots, wilting leaves, and, as we said, no growth. Similar to when determining how much water to give your plants, measuring fertilizer depends on the plant type, as well as the soil quality. This is also the case when establishing how often you should fertilize.
Full sunlight
People often believe that putting your plants in full, direct sunlight enables them to grow to great heights. While no one expects their plants to produce levels like in the fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk by placing them in the sunlight, it might be holding your plant back altogether.
“Many people mistakenly believe all gardens require full sunlight to thrive,” says Sons, adding that “plants have thrived remarkably under partial shade conditions during my observations.”
The amount of sunlight a plant needs is not a one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on its type and location. Luckily, this information is usually provided on the plant’s tags for further guidance. Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, Kansas, provides an overview on their website of the typical sun requirements and what they mean.
They note that plants requiring full sun, which is what Sons stresses isn’t necessary for all, need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Partial sun, or part shade, suggested as an alternative, thrives with three to six hours of sunlight daily.
“My advice is to always listen to what your garden needs instead of following old gardening tips without question,” Sons adds. “Successful gardening requires both balance and careful observation of your plants’ needs.”
