I’m a gardening expert busting 5 common myths – no, watering leaves in sun won’t scorch them & soil is better than pots
THERE are five common myths people perpetuate about gardening, experts at the Royal Horticultural Society have revealed.
Luckily for us, the society’s advisers have decided to set the record straight after getting fed up receiving “thousands inquiries every year” about the same myths.
“Gardening can seem like an age-old tradition where nothing much changes,” Principal Horticultural Advisor Leigh Hunt says.
“In fact, with all the research that goes on every year in horticulture, long held beliefs are often toppled.
“But it still takes time to get the message out to everyone.
“When things change, it’s hardly surprising that it leaves some gardeners confused about the best thing to do.
“As gardening advisors, we are always happy to talk it through with members”
DIGGING FOR SOIL
One query the Royal Horticultural Society receives en masse every spring is whether you need to dig up your soil to improve its fertility.
“This is false,” the advisors clarified. “And digging releases soil nitrogen, duly damaging soil bio.
“It is best not to dig when planting, which fits the current best approach to feeding soils.”
POT PLANTING
Green-fingered Brits are also concerned about whether it’s best to grow your plants in a pot or the ground.
“There has been a long-time misconception that growing plants in a pot is better,” the experts revealed.
“But pot planting also causes limited root spread and increases the need for watering and feeding.
“With some exceptions, it is better to plant in soil.”
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POT CROCKS
“Gardeners have long believed that crocks in pots improve drainage, but this is false,” the experts revealed.
“Disrupted capillary action and reduced soil volume mean they don’t help.
“Instead, gardeners can use a crock to prevent the compost from dropping through the hole at the bottom of the pot.”
SUN DAMAGE
If you’re a keen gardener, you will have heard the theory that watering your plants in the sun scorches the leaves. Fortunately, this is not true.
“Though it is best to water at ground level, scorching does not happen,” the experts shared.
“Scorching to new plants from lack of hardening off is far more common.”
SPOILED SOIL
Clay soils contain more than 30% fine clay particles that swell and shrink as they wet and dry, effectively cultivating themselves.
“A common myth among those planting in clay soil is that it is best to make a large planting hole to fill with grit,” the experts said.
“However, this creates a sump, so the roots get waterlogged and rot, harming the plants.”