Gardening can feel like a world full of rules, advice, and “tried and true” methods handed down through generations. But as with any tradition, some advice doesn’t hold up under closer inspection. Let’s dive into some common gardening myths that might be holding you back and talk about what really works for a thriving garden.
1. Myth: You Need to Prune Everything in the Fall
Many people assume that fall is the time to cut back every plant in the garden, but that’s not the case. While some plants do benefit from a fall prune—like certain perennials that can harbor pests or diseases if left untrimmed—not everything should be cut back. For instance, spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs and forsythias set their buds in late summer, so pruning in fall can eliminate next year’s blooms. Instead, wait until after they bloom in spring.
Tip: Research each plant before pruning, and focus on dead or diseased growth in the fall. Most perennials and grasses can be left for spring pruning, adding winter interest to the garden.
2. Myth: Landscape Fabric is a Cure-All for Weeds
Landscape fabric sounds like a great idea for weed control, but it often causes more issues than it solves. While it may suppress weeds initially, over time, soil, mulch, and debris collect on top of the fabric, creating a new layer for weeds to grow. Plus, it can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching plant roots, which can weaken plants over time.
Alternative: Use a thick layer of organic mulch instead. Mulch is more effective for long-term weed suppression, enriches the soil as it breaks down, and lets water and nutrients reach plant roots.
3. Myth: Watering in the Middle of the Day Causes Sunburned Leaves
The idea that water droplets act like tiny magnifying glasses, burning plants in the sun, isn’t true. Water can evaporate quickly in hot weather, which is why it’s better to water in the morning or evening, but it won’t harm your plants if you water mid-day.
Best Practice: Watering in the early morning allows plants to take up moisture before the day’s heat, keeping them hydrated longer. Evening watering is also okay if the plants have time to dry out before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal growth.
4. Myth: “More Fertilizer Equals Better Growth”
Fertilizer is a great tool, but using more than necessary can actually harm your plants and pollute the soil and nearby water sources. Over-fertilizing can lead to excess foliage growth at the expense of blooms or even burn roots, damaging the plant’s health.
Solution: Test your soil first to see if fertilizer is even needed, and follow package instructions for the right amount. Many plants thrive with minimal feeding, especially if you use nutrient-rich compost.
5. Myth: Coffee Grounds are Great for All Plants
Coffee grounds have become a popular garden amendment, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Used coffee grounds are fairly neutral in pH, so they won’t acidify soil as much as some think. Fresh coffee grounds, however, can be quite acidic and may only be suitable for acid-loving plants like azaleas or blueberries. Plus, too much can create a dense layer that hinders water penetration.
Better Approach: Use coffee grounds sparingly and mix them with other compost materials to avoid issues. For most plants, a balanced compost will give better results.
6. Myth: You Should Amend the Soil in Planting Holes
Adding organic matter directly to planting holes when planting trees or shrubs seems helpful, but it can discourage roots from spreading beyond the enriched hole. Roots will prefer the amended soil and may struggle to grow out into the surrounding soil.
Tip: Instead, improve the entire planting area by spreading compost or other organic matter evenly over the topsoil. This encourages stronger root systems that extend throughout the soil, leading to healthier plants.
7. Myth: Rocks at the Bottom of Pots Improve Drainage
Many gardeners add rocks to the bottom of pots, thinking it will improve drainage, but this actually reduces the pot’s effective depth and increases the risk of water-logged roots. When water hits the interface between the soil and rocks, it can stop draining, making roots sit in water.
Best Practice: Use high-quality potting soil alone for the best drainage, and ensure pots have drainage holes. If extra weight is needed for stability, consider larger pots rather than adding rocks.
8. Myth: Pest Control is Always Necessary
Seeing pests in the garden doesn’t necessarily mean you have a problem. Many insects in the garden are harmless or even beneficial, like ladybugs, bees, and ground beetles. Using pesticides can harm these “good bugs” that keep pest populations in check.
Alternative: Practice integrated pest management (IPM) by monitoring pest levels before reaching for pesticides. Encourage beneficial insects by planting a variety of flowers and using only natural or targeted solutions if pest populations become a problem.
Wrapping Up on Garden Myths
Knowing which advice to follow and which to leave behind can make gardening more rewarding and enjoyable. By avoiding these garden myths, you can garden smarter, work less, and enjoy better results in your landscape. Remember, gardening is as much about observing what works in your space as it is about following advice. Embrace the learning process, and you’ll soon see your garden thrive.
Want more tips? Check out our other posts for practical, beginner-friendly gardening insights. And if you found these myth-busting tips helpful, don’t forget to share with a friend who might need a little gardening guidance too!
Want to keep your garden thriving and wildlife-friendly through winter? Now that you’re equipped with myth-busting tips, check out our post on How to Support Birds and Small Creatures in Winter for practical ways to make your garden a haven for local wildlife. You’ll learn how to help birds, bees, and other small creatures stay safe and nourished during the colder months—plus, it’s a great way to add life and interest to your winter landscape!
