13 “Essential” Gardening Tips You Should Never Follow

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There is gardening advice everywhere – on websites and magazines, from well meaning friends and neighbors. Some tips are gold, some are fool’s gold. Following bad advice can set you back, with your green thumb aspirations turned into a frustrating experience. The problem is that some of the most common advice we’re given falls on the other side of that line, and unfortunately, much of it is harmful.

Let’s debunk some of these gardening myths that may derail you. Here’s a guide to spotting which ‘essential’ tips you’d be better off ignoring. And, after all, we aren’t trying to end up with endless, avoidable mishaps in the garden, are we?

To Give Plants an “Extra” Deep Soak for Better Growth

The idea is that if you soak plants heavily, they will grow stronger roots. However, most plants don’t need extra deep water, especially plants with shallow root systems such as lettuce or basil. In point of fact, drowning plants with water can cause the roots to become boggy, which provides the perfect environment for root rot and disease. It’s best for most plants to water them thoroughly at regular intervals rather than to water them to death in one sitting.

Drainage — Use Gravel at the Bottom of Pots

It’s a logical tip—gravel should, in theory, drain excess water away, right? Wrong. In fact, adding gravel to the bottom of pots can actually prevent the water from draining. If water gets to the gravel, it can begin to pool, and the soil can stay wetter because of that. Instead, use pots without gravel in which roots can remain healthy, but in well draining soil.

Coffee Grounds Are a Miracle Fertilizer

If you have a popular belief that coffee grounds will solve all your plant nutrient issues, you are not alone. But while they can put nitrogen in the soil, they are very acidic and can change the pH of your soil so dramatically. Coffee grounds are fine for some plants, like blueberries, but most plants don’t appreciate them. Composting is better than using them directly if you want to use them.

Direct Sunlight All Day Long Is Exactly What Plants Love

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Of course, some plants love the full sun, while others do not. For many others though, being in constant direct sunlight can result in sunburned leaves and weakened growth. Ferns, impatiens and even some herbs are happier in partial shade. First, always check the sunlight requirements for each plant before you give them a spot in the hot seat.

Start off the Season Pruning Everything

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The advice is to get your pruning right at the start to keep plants in shape. But plants grow at different times of the year and not all benefit from early season pruning. For example, you shouldn’t prune early in the spring when the lilacs will start to lose their blooms. Here timing is key, so don’t rush in with those shears and learn what each plant needs.

Plants Love Epsom Salts

You’ve heard the story on how epsom salts can cure a range of plant issues from yellowing leaves to slow growth. Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) can help some plants, such as tomatoes, but it’s not the magic booster it’s been billed as. This can actually harm plants by throwing soil nutrients out of balance. Only use it when you know your plants need it, sparingly.

Use Soap Water on all Pests

A homemade soap solution can be effective on some pests, like aphids, but it’s not a fix all. Some soaps can actually injure plant leaves, especially when exposed to sunlight. In the process, some beneficial insects might get harmed, too. Researching the pest and using appropriate, safe pest solutions is best when tackling pests.

To Grow Bushier, You Plant Your Seeds Super Close

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The advice makes sense, after all, packing seeds together should lead to dense, lush growth. Overcrowded plants will compete for sunlight, water and nutrients and will result in weak and spindly growth. Crowding also raises the chance of fungal disease spreading. See how to make room for your plants to breathe by following spacing instructions on seed packets.

Everything Should Be Fertilized Every Week

Like some gardeners, you treat fertilizer like a magical potion that will cure all problems. According to EOS Data Analytics, weekly fertilizing, however, can cause ‘nutrient burn’ where there is too much minerals in the plants. And can damage the roots and stress the plants. Steady, healthy growth is usually much better from a balanced, less frequent feeding schedule.

To “Cool Them Down”, Water Plants in the Middle of the Day

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

Watering at noon may seem refreshing, but it’s not helping your plants. Water evaporates quickly during peak sunlight and much of it won’t make it to the roots. Droplets on leaves can also act as magnifying glasses scorching them. The early morning is the best time to water, because then the plants can absorb the moisture before the sun’s intensity sets in.

Plant Potted Plants Using Random Soil From Your Garden

Garden soil is too dense for container plants, so it’s tempting to grab some from the backyard for potting. This will compact easily, and limit root growth, and cause drainage problems. Instead, use a container potting mix. It’s lighter and better suited for potted plants.

Water Your Lawn Daily

Most people water their lawns every day believing that will keep the grass looking green and lush. That’s fine, until too much water makes the grass roots lazy, and they won’t grow as deep as they should. As a result, the lawn is more prone to drought and disease. Deep watering once or twice a week, however, encourages deep root growth.

“Natural” Pesticides Are Safe

Pesticides labeled “natural” aren’t necessarily safe. Pyrethrin is a natural pesticide but it still threatens and harms beneficial insects like bees. Be careful with any pesticide — natural or synthetic — and use only as needed. It’s better to be mindful with application than to rely on the label.

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