Gardening enthusiasts often turn to the internet for tips and tricks to cultivate a thriving outdoor space. While many online resources offer valuable advice, some widely shared hacks have been distorted or misapplied, potentially causing more harm than good to your plants.
Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, has analysed several popular gardening myths to reveal which practices might be damaging your garden. From disrupting soil pH to attracting pests, these common beliefs could be the reason your plants are struggling.
Six Gardening Myths That Could Be Killing Your Plants
1. Eliminating Weeds with White Vinegar
White vinegar is frequently promoted as an ideal, natural solution for destroying weeds. The acetic acid in vinegar scorches foliage upon contact, providing a quick visual result. However, this method only affects the leaves of plants it touches, meaning it doesn't genuinely eliminate weeds at the root level, allowing them to regrow.
Worse still, vinegar can damage neighbouring plants and modify the soil pH, rendering it less productive for future growth. Instead, Robin suggests weeding the traditional way: by hand. "Focus on getting the roots out completely," he advises. "Weeds love bare soil, so planting ground-covering plants means there will be less space and light available to encourage weed growth."
2. Coffee Grounds in the Soil
Using coffee grounds as a fertiliser is a tremendously popular gardening hack, praised for being low-waste and inexpensive. However, simply chucking coffee grounds into the earth won't achieve much beyond messing with the nitrogen levels in your soil.
This is because coffee grounds are acidic and can prevent water from penetrating the soil if spread too heavily. Instead, Robin recommends composting the grounds first to transform them into a more balanced, nutrient-rich fertiliser that won't disrupt your garden's ecosystem.
3. Using Gravel for Drainage in Pots
If you have pot plants, you've almost certainly encountered advice recommending gravel for additional drainage. This can be effective, but only if implemented carefully. More often than not, gravel in containers ends up trapping water above the gravel layer, allowing roots to sit in moisture.
This can result in fungal diseases and root rot, ultimately harming your plants. Instead, switch to drainage-enhancing materials mixed throughout your soil. Robin suggests horticultural grit and sharp sand to improve soil structure, perlite to boost airflow around roots, and vermiculite to balance moisture retention.
4. Banana Peel Fertiliser
Using banana peels as fertiliser is a trendy viral trick that claims to supercharge your plants' growth by delivering potassium to the soil. The method typically involves 'steeping' the peels in water for several days, then giving plants a drink of the banana-infused liquid.
But Robin reckons this technique might be complete nonsense. "There is very little evidence that any potassium—or other nutrients—are released into the water," he explains. "Therefore, they are doing nothing to the soil, other than the sugar potentially attracting pests." Instead of steeping your peels, chuck them onto your compost pile to decompose naturally and enhance soil quality.
5. Milk as a Fertiliser
This approach mirrors the banana peel tea method, with many people claiming that watered-down milk delivers calcium and proteins to the earth. However, this carries significant risks if not executed properly.
Robin warns: "If it's not diluted well, or if too much is used, it can attract flies and ants, and can cause bacteria and fungi to grow, leading to root rot." For safer alternatives, consider using commercially available fertilisers or well-composted organic matter to nourish your plants without inviting pests.
6. Drawing Out Moisture Around the Shed
Another gardening craze involves purchasing moisture-soaking products like cat litter, charcoal, or rock salt to place around your shed's perimeter to combat dampness. While these items may briefly dry out the area, the effect is temporary and won't provide a long-term solution.
Robin suggests that instead, gardeners should construct a decent foundation for their shed to elevate it from ground moisture, and establish adequate drainage so rainwater doesn't collect around the base. This proactive approach prevents damp issues more effectively than reactive moisture-absorbing products.
In conclusion, while the internet offers a wealth of gardening advice, it's crucial to verify the effectiveness and safety of popular hacks. By avoiding these six myths and adopting evidence-based practices, you can create a healthier, more vibrant garden that truly thrives.
