Gardening Myths: True or False?
Gardening is full of inherited wisdom—tips passed from grandparents, whispered over allotment fences, scribbled in old books, or shared by neighbours over steaming mugs of tea. Some of these so-called “old wives’ tales” are wonderfully practical. Others are charming nonsense. And many sit somewhere in the middle: rooted in truth, but not the whole truth.
In this post, we dig into some of the most common gardening myths, explore whether they actually work, and reveal the science (or folklore!) behind them. You may find that tradition sometimes has more wisdom than we give it credit for…
1. Planting by the Moon Helps Crops Grow Better
The myth: The waxing moon is ideal for plants that fruit above ground; the waning moon is ideal for plants that fruit below ground.
Truth: Unproven but harmless.
There’s no hard science behind this, but many gardeners enjoy the ritual—and anything that helps you plan your sowing schedule isn’t a bad thing.
2. Planting With Matchsticks Adds Sulfur to the Soil
The myth: A matchstick (sulfur tip down) strengthens tomatoes and prevents disease.Truth: Mostly false.
There’s too little sulfur on a match to make any difference, and modern matches contain extra additives.
3. Whole banana peels slowly release nutrients.
The myth: Whole banana peels slowly release nutrients.
Truth: Partially true—but slow.They do contain potassium, but break down slowly and can attract pests. Chop or compost first for best results.
4. Eggshells Prevent Blossom End Rot
Truth: True, but very slow.
Eggshells break down over months or years. Blossom end rot usually comes from inconsistent watering, not from lack of calcium.
5. Using Diluted Urine Fertilises Plants
The myth: Urine, diluted 1:10, is a free nitrogen boost.
Truth: True—with caveats.
It’s rich in nitrogen but should be used on soil, not leaves, and avoided if you take medication.
6. Burying Kitchen Waste Creates Instant Compost
The myth: Dig a hole, bury scraps, and feed the soil.
Truth: True, but messy.
This method—trench composting—works, but waste must be buried deep (20–30 cm) to avoid attracting pests.
7. Epsom Salt Makes Lawns Greener
The myth: Magnesium sulfate boosts chlorophyll and greenness.
Truth: Sometimes true.
It only helps if your soil lacks magnesium. Overuse can cause salt build-up and damage.
8. Nettle Water Is a Supercharged Plant Tonic
The myth: Steeped nettles create a nitrogen-rich fertiliser.
Truth: Absolutely true.
Nettle tea is time-tested and brilliant for leafy crops.
9. Chamomile Tea Prevents Damping-Off
The myth: Watering seedlings with chamomile tea protects them from fungal disease.
Truth: True!
Chamomile contains natural antifungal compounds that help guard against damping-off.
10. Cinnamon Powder Protects Seedlings
The myth: Sprinkle cinnamon on soil to prevent fungus.Truth: True.
Cinnamon is naturally antifungal and antibacterial—an excellent, gentle remedy.
11. Garlic Repels Aphids
The myth: Plant garlic near roses or veg to deter pests.
Truth: Mostly true
Garlic’s sulfur compounds confuse aphids and reduce infestations, but won’t stop them completely.
12. Soap Bars Hung in Trees Deter Deer
The myth: The strong scent keeps deer away.
Truth: Partially true.
Some soaps work for a while, but deer can get used to them. Harmless, cheap, and worth trying.
13. Vinegar Kills Weeds
The myth: Household vinegar is an effective natural weed killer.
Truth: True—but limited.
It kills young, soft weeds by drying them out, but won’t touch the roots of tougher perennials.
14. Aluminium Foil Scares Birds From Fruit Trees
The myth: Hanging reflective foil strips keeps birds away.
Truth: Partially true.
The flashes and rustling deter birds for a time, but they often learn the trick. Works best in rotation with other methods.
15. Talking to Plants Helps Them Grow
The myth: Plants respond to human voices.
Truth: Partially true.
Plants don’t understand speech, but they may benefit from the extra CO₂ you breathe out—and from the attention you pay while talking.
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