Just because you read about it on a gardening forum doesn’t make it true. Just because it’s what all the gardeners in your family live by doesn’t mean it’s the only way to garden. Here are some of the most common gardening myths broken down and exposed.
Watering – “Plants need at least one inch of water a week.” False. Just like us, plants are individuals, and their watering needs are different. Just because you may only drink 16 ounces of water a day, it doesn’t mean I’m limited to the same amount. The same is true for your plants. In order to find out how much water your plants need, you need to be observant. While some individuals will thrive on an inch or two of water a week, others will need less, and some will need more. Learn to read the signs that your plants are over- or under-saturated and adjust your sprinkler system as needed.
Burning Sunlight – We know you’ve heard this one before, “Don’t water your plants in the afternoon, because the water will boil and damage the leaves.” We can’t even express to you how false this is. Your plants will not suffer any harm if you water during the hottest part of the day, so if doing so fits better into your schedule, go for it. On the contrary, if you’ve gotten into the habit of watering at dusk or dawn, we encourage you to do so, as watering in the heat can cause increased evaporation.
Drought Tolerant Plants – Many new gardeners become very frustrated when their drought tolerant plants become withered. No, you cannot neglect your plants just because they’re drought tolerant. News flash: Drought tolerant does not mean drought resistant. While drought resistant plants tend to fare better during a drought, this isn’t an excuse to neglect them. Continue to give them plenty of water and TLC just like you do for the rest of your garden.
