Learn the 5 Truths Behind the Popular Gardening Myths

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truths behind the popular gardening myths

Gardening is an art and the real tricks of the trade can be gained only through experience. If you ask the gardeners about their knowledge banks, most will say it to be their parents or grandparents. The gardening dictions that passes down from the previous generations are essentially always not correct and scientific.

As technology is changing so does the rules and regulations of gardening; many experts have also come up with clarifications regarding gardening myths. Once you get disillusioned from these myths, you can be rest assured of a better and more beautiful bloom.

truths behind the popular gardening mythsMyth 1: You should not Plant Flowers Under Trees

Truth: If you have flower beds under trees, your trees will grow healthily. Since flower beds are more sustainable than grass as they will need less water over the years. You can plant perennial flower shrubs to minimize soil trouble, and plant the smallest plants under the trees. Plant them in the same soil that is already there instead of adding more soil.

Myth 2: You should Prefer Organic Pesticides over Synthetic Ones

Truth: Organic pesticides are definitely good for plants; but they also have certain dangers. Thus you should not blindly use any organic pesticide without checking the ingredients. For example, copper sulfate and pyrethrum are often used in organic pesticides but they are evidently harmful and poisonous to the environment and also the humans living nearby.

To control your pest, you will have to first identify the pest and then use the best strategy for it. You can use simple home remedies like 2 tablespoons of dish soap mixed in 1 gallon of water to fight aphids, mites, and immature mealybugs.

Myth 3: Plants that are for Full Sun Essentially need it throughout the Year

Truth: The definition of full sun differs for most of the gardeners and the most common answer is minimum six hours of unfiltered sunrays should be obtained by the plants between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., but in most cases it is seen that flowering plants bloom at its best if they get only 3 hours of full sun and sparingly filtered sun during the afternoon hours. Thus, it’s best to go experimental with plants and see how much full sun it actually needs rather than going by the traditional sayings. Please note that vegetables need full sun for at least 6 hours (peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers and squash); but still there are many that grow best in shady areas (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, onions, coriander, radish, and peas).

Myth 4: Divide and Transit Plants only During Spring and Autumn

Truth: This has been a traditional practice amongst gardeners because most perennials grow at its best when divided and transplanted in early spring; as soon after the growth begins to happen. However, nowadays most of the professional landscapers divide, move, and plant when the requirement arises – never mind which season it is you can do the task in summer, autumn or spring. Just keep in mind to protect the plant from scorching summers by doing this work early morning, cloudy days or during the evenings.

Myth 5: You should Plant Trees Deeply

Truth: This is not really essential. The scientific fact is that the roots that are closer to the surface of the soil provide most of the air, nutrients and water; planting trees too deeply means that the roots will also be deep seated and thus it decreases the lifespan; the roots will have to struggle upwards for oxygen.

There are many more myths related to gardening and planting; make sure you check various resources and learn the facts and truths before heading towards a full-fledged gardening venture.