11 "Eco-Friendly" Garden Hacks That Are Actually Harmful

This post may contain affiliate links.

As eco awareness grows, more and more gardeners are keen to make green choices that are good for the environment. But not all ‘eco friendly’ hacks are as good as they sound. In fact, some of the best intentions of gardening trends can actually be harmful to plants, soil, and local ecosystems.

Sometimes, what appears to be a great shortcut is actually a detour to trouble. Below are some common so called eco friendly gardening practices that on the surface may seem innocent but can really be doing more harm than good.

Homemade Vinegar Based Weed Killers

Vinegar weed killer sounds like a green alternative to chemical herbicides, but it’s not. Vinegar doesn’t discriminate between the weeds and the plants you love, and it can also lower the pH of your soil, which is bad for long term life in the soil. It might kill surface level weeds but it won’t reach the roots so those pesky plants will likely come back.

Composting Pet Waste

Adding pet waste to your compost pile may seem like a good idea, but it’s actually a terrible idea. The bacteria, parasites, and pathogens in pet waste can contaminate your compost and ultimately your garden. That’s a huge health risk if you’re growing food and the compost is not heated to the proper temperature to kill off these harmful microorganisms.

Over-Mulching

A gardener’s best friend is mulch, but too much of it can suffocate your plants. A layer of mulch can also help conserve moisture and keep out weeds, but too much restricts contact between water and air and the plant roots. Root rot or pest attraction is likely to occur. Keep your layer to 2-3 inches and let your plants breathe.

Watering at Any Time of Day

a person watering plants with a watering can — Photo Credit: Karolina Kaboompics/Pexels

It’s tempting to water your garden whenever you have a free moment, but timing actually matters. Watering during the heat of the day results in rapid evaporation, so your plants don’t get the full benefit. As for when it isn’t working, watering too late in the evening means the moisture sitting on the leaves over night will promote fungal growth. The sweet spot for hydrating your garden is early morning.

Introducing Non-native Plants

Crop unrecognizable gardener in gloves and jeans planting green plants into fertile soil while working in garden on summer day — Photo Credit: Greta Hoffman/Pexels

It’s tempting to fill your garden with exotic plants, but it can have serious environmental consequences. However, non native species can spread quickly, and out compete local flora and the local ecosystem. In certain instances, these plants can take over entire areas, choking out other native plants wildlife depends on.

Commercially Pesticides Labeled as ‘Natural’

Just because a pesticide is labeled as ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s safe. Still, some natural pesticides can kill beneficial insects, birds and other wildlife. In fact, even organic pesticides can be toxic, if not used correctly. Researching other best pest control methods that don’t put the ecosystem at risk is always better.

Epsom Salt as a Fertilizer

Gardeners have hailed Epsom salt as a miracle cure for everything from boosting plant growth to enhancing flower color. But the truth is that most plants don’t need the extra magnesium sulfate it gives. In soils that have sufficient magnesium, excessive use ramps up the chance for nutrient imbalances that can do more harm than good. Rather than blindly sprinkling Epsom salt, it’s better to test your soil first to see if it actually needs this supplement.

Using Newspaper as Weed Barrier

30 Genius Hacks You Won't Believe Are Hiding in Everyday Items! — Photo Credit:Paul Espinoza/Pexels

Recycling newspaper as a weed barrier sounds like a great idea, but there’s a catch. Newspaper layers do block weeds for a period of time, however, they also block water and nutrients from reaching the soil. Some inks and chemicals used in printing may not break down properly, and can introduce toxins into your garden. If you’re in the market for a biodegradable weed barrier, untreated cardboard or weed control fabrics are your best bet.

Weed Control by Boiling Water

It may seem like an easy, chemical free way to zap weeds, but it doesn’t stop with the weeds. Use of this method can kill beneficial microorganisms in the soil and damage the roots of nearby plants. It’s not very practical for large areas either. Organic herbicides, are safer and more effective than a targeted approach.

Use Dish Soap to Fight Pests

Dish soap at first glance seems like a cheap, easy solution to get rid of pests munching on your plants. However, using dish soap can kill off the beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, who do not make for good pest controllers. The waxy coating the plants help protect themselves with can also be stripped away, making the plants susceptible to disease and environmental stress.

Overusing Coffee Grounds

Too much coffee grounds can make your soil too acidic, which is not good for plants. They can also create a layer that packs tightly together, so water doesn’t reach your roots. Coffee grounds are not fertilizer, but they can be used as a soil amendment. Use them sparingly, not as a mulch and not as a fertilizer, but mix them into the soil.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.