5 Common Gardening Myths Debunked

Bats are blind. Apple seeds grow in your stomach. Goldfish have a three second memory. What do these three things have in common?

They’re all commonly believed myths.

And whilst everyone enjoys the occasional old wives’ tale that has been passed down through the generations, did you know that the gardening world in particular is full of myths that could actually be compromising the welfare of your garden? That’s why we’ve gone undercover to dig up and dispel five of the most common misconceptions about gardening. Check them out:

Watering the lawn with a sprinkler

You must water the lawn daily in the summer

There is no need to water your grass every day and too much water can actually cause serious harm to your lawn – as you may have seen after heavy bouts of rain. So that your lawn can remain healthy, the roots of the grass need a period of dryness to stave off insects and disease – so try to water your garden approximately three times a week during warm summer periods.

It's essential to change potting soil every year

FALSE! Whilst some gardeners worry that potting soil only contains enough nutrients to keep plants healthy for a single growing season, most types will actually stay rich for up to two years. And if you’re worried that your old potting soil is running low on nutrients, simply work a few handfuls of compost into the pots at the start of each year to keep your plants growing strong.

Adding stones to pots improves drainage

The chances are that gardeners have probably added stones or gravel into the bottom of containers in the hope of improving drainage, at least once in their lifetime. After trying it out ourselves we can safely say that this doesn’t work. Instead, ensure there is adequate drainage by using top-quality potting soil, and either selecting pots with holes at the bottom or adding your own.

Organic pesticides are the best to use in your garden

This is one of the most common gardening myths out there and potentially one of the worst. It has been found that many natural toxins used in organic garden products are potentially harmful, and if misused, they can be dangerous to people, pets and the wonderful inhabitants of our gardens like frogs and bees. Whenever possible, it’s best to select the least toxic option available as even if it isn’t lethal, many of the toxins found in organic pesticides can cause serious health complications. Safe storage of these products can help prevent any harmful accidents and it is extremely important to read and follow all the directions on the label.

Eggshells discourage slugs

Many people believe that crushed egg shells can ward off those pesky slugs that can be perilous to our plants and vegetables. Whilst it might be true in extreme abundance, take a moment to consider how many eggs you’re going to have to consume to protect just a few plants? So unless you’re on a diet of scrambled eggs, this probably isn’t the most effective way to treat the problem. If you wish to avoid chemicals, why not try raking over the soil regularly to expose slugs to the birds, or alternatively get creative and make your own traps using melon or upturned half oranges to capture the predators. It works wonders!

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