Ask any gardener for advice, and you will get them well, if not a ton, then a centner. Each of them will tell you that their collection of tricks, gleaned over many years, is the best. But some of these ideas may be based on tradition rather than reality. So, here are 7 gardening tips you can completely ignore.
Exceptionally morning watering
The old wisdom says that you only need to water your lawn and garden in the morning, before the sun rises high. The water droplets on the leaves are thought to act as tiny magnifying glasses, causing plants to burn. In reality, the sun cannot burn your bushes, trees and flowers so easily, although of course the water will evaporate much more slowly before sunrise. But, if you did not water at dawn, then it is better to let the plants get drunk at noon, do not wait until the next morning.
Tying up all young trees
You can save yourself the trouble of tying up every young tree. The point is, swaying in the wind actually helps them strengthen their newly created root system. You only need to tie it up when the trees are in the wind or on a slope.
Organic pesticides are safer
Just because the pesticide you are using says “organic” on the label doesn’t mean it cannot harm you, your children or pets. Natural pesticide ingredients such as pyrethrin (from Asteraceae) are extremely toxic, just like their artificial counterparts. They can even kill beneficial garden animals such as frogs, as well as ladybirds and other pollinators. So use these pesticides when needed, but don't get a false sense of security.
Adding sand to clay soil
In dense clay soil, it is difficult for plant roots to penetrate, as a result, they do not provide the necessary drainage. Many old school gardeners will advise you to fix the situation by adding sand there. But, if you do this, the soil will become harder, almost concrete. Add compost to the clay soil instead.
Resin for treating cuts in trees
There is really no need to grease the trimmed parts of the wood with resin. Indeed, a few years ago it was believed that it protects wounds from insects and diseases, but in fact, plants can do quite well on their own.
Dense mulch around trees to retain moisture
Stacking wood chip mulch around trees and garden beds is a great way to retain moisture. But too many good things are often bad, and mulch is a prime example of this. When adding it around the tree, avoid the "volcano" shape at the base. Due to its large amount, the bark can be wet all the time, which will lead to the appearance of pests and diseases. Instead, create a donut shape that tapers towards the base of the plant. This will help suppress weed growth and retain moisture in the soil.
Garden Tool Bleach
Every seasoned gardener knows that tools need to be washed to keep the plants from attacking disease. But bleach is not the best solution for this. Prolonged contact with it can lead to pitting, discoloration or corrosion of the metal. In addition, bleach residues can damage the plants themselves. Yes, tools need to be cleaned and disinfected, but use a household cleaner to work.
