12 Gardening Rules You Can Totally Ignore for Better Results

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There are lots of gardening rules that have become gospel over time and has been passed down from generation to generation. Some of these so-called rules may have been used for Grandma’s roses, but many are more like myths. These are rules you can happily ignore.

If you’ve been doing everything right, according to the following rules listed, and still don’t have the lush, thriving garden you’ve always wanted, maybe it’s time to throw out the rulebook and see what happens when you experiment.

Only Water Early Morning or Late Evening

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We all know you shouldn’t water your plants during the day if it’s hot out. The truth? Watering in the cooler hours helps reduce evaporation, but if your plants are thirsty, water them. You won’t set your garden on fire if it gets a midday drink.

Use Only Organic Fertilizers Always

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Organic fertilizers sound good, but they’re not always the best choice. Synthetic fertilizers are quicker and some plants need a quick nutrient boost. But just make sure you use them properly and don’t burn your plants.

Plants Need Full Sun, Always

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Just because more sun means better growth, doesn’t mean every plant loves the sun. Some prefer partial shade and some can get stressed with too much sun in the heat of summer. Therefore, don’t be afraid to give your plants some shade, especially in those scorching months.

You Must Till the Soil Every Season

A woman in gardening gloves is planting seeds
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It might be time to junk that old school way of tilling your soil each spring. Tilling can break the soil structure as well as beneficial organism. Or, if you want to leave your ground alone, consider no-till gardening techniques.

Don’t Plant Trees Too Close Together

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Trees, according to conventional wisdom, require lots of room to grow. But trees that grow in clusters tend to support each other and create a healthier more natural ecosystem. But just don’t plant trees with large roots that will be competitive.

Small Spaces Can’t Grow Vegetables

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Do you think you need a large backyard to grow a decent vegetable garden? Nope! Container planting, vertical gardening, and clever space saving tricks will help you grow plenty of veggies on a small patio or balcony. Small space? No problem.

Don’t Plant During a Heatwave

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Not ideal, but sometimes you can’t wait for perfect weather to plant. Yes, cooler conditions are easier on new plants, but you can still plant during hotter times, just be sure to water and shade them extra until they’re established.

Don’t Prune in the Summer

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Pruning should only be done in late winter or early spring for some, but light pruning in the summer can actually help some plants if you are dealing with damaged or diseased branches. Just don’t overdo it!

Every year You Must Rotate Your Crops

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Rotating crops can help keep pests down or save on soil depletion, but it’s not always gospel. But if you’re growing in a small garden or container, strict crop rotation may not be feasible. Instead, build up soil health with compost and nutrients to keep your plants healthy.

Never Let Weeds Stay

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Isn’t weeds the villain of every garden? In fact, some weeds aren’t so bad, and some even help your garden by attracting beneficial insects or giving you ground cover. You don’t want them to take over, but a few stray weeds might not be the enemy you think they are.

Gardening Needs Fancy Tools

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While expensive tools and gadgets are nice to have, you don’t need them to have a successful garden. With a simple spade, sturdy pair of gloves, and a little elbow grease, you can get a long way. You don’t have to buy every new gadget that claims to simplify gardening.

Mulch Everything, Always

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Mulch is great for moisture retention and weed control, but not so much. Mulch can smother plants, especially young ones, if you apply too much. Sometimes a light hand with mulch—or not at all—is the better option.

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

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