This hobby is delicate and can be very complex. Therefore, if you want to start taking care of your plants, research a lot and discover the myths and truths about gardening !
What do you need to know about gardening?
For you to know everything about gardening, it’s worth learning what’s good for your little plants, how to nurture them the right way, how to know what they need and what to avoid for them to stay strong. Next, we unravel some of the most widespread myths on the subject.
1. Plants need water every day
Myth! It is true that water is essential for the growth of any plant, but excessive humidity can be very harmful to plants . The roots are their base, very important, as they absorb water and nutrients from the earth.
However, greenbacks also need air to survive. Excess water prevents the root from breathing, killing it little by little. If the gardener waters too much, the leaves of the plant become withered and lifeless. Therefore, follow some instructions when watering:
- Make sure the soil is still damp. Put your finger in the dirt and try to see if there is still water. If so, wait another day to water again;
- Pay attention to the seasons. Warmer days need more watering than cold days or with mild temperatures;
- If in doubt, better not to water. Most plants survive better with a lack of water than with an excess.
2. Watering during the day is bad
True! Experts indicate that the best time to water is during the morning or evening. Watering during the hottest time of day can cause the plant to undergo thermal shock, which is detrimental to its health.
Also, the water will quickly evaporate, and the garden will take little advantage of the plant’s nutrients. If you’re watering correctly, but your plants still don’t look healthy, try looking for other causes, such as pests or pot location.
3. Every insect is bad for the garden
Myth! This is a point of attention for the manual with everything about gardening. In fact, some insects are great for your plants and indicate that your garden is healthy.
Of course, there are insects and other animals that are pests and you need to keep an eye out for them. However, if you find some of the species below on your plants, be happy, because your garden is in great condition:
- Ladybugs: in the larval and adult stages, they hunt up to 200 aphids a day, in addition to other pests;
- Praying mantis: contrary to what they say, it does not eat plants, but protects them. It feeds on smaller insects such as flies, aphids and moths;
- Bees: feed on the nectar of flowers and help pollinate the garden in a mutualistic relationship;
- Wasps: they are also great pollinators;
- Spiders: they use the webs to hunt insects that try to stay on the plants;
- Earthworms: aerate the earth and transform organic residues into humus, which provide nutrients for plants.
4. Cacti and succulents do not need water
Myth! It is true that cacti and succulents retain more water, but they also need plant nutrients . Watering must happen regularly and can vary according to the season: once a week during the warmer periods and once every two weeks in the cold seasons.
5. Natural pesticides are healthier
Myth! In general, pesticides or other artificial additives should be avoided in the garden. Prefer substrates, fertilizers and fertilizers to help plants grow. However, like everything about gardening, you have to study to see what works and what doesn’t.
Stay tuned because not always the natural is healthier. Think about this: if even too much water can kill plants, what can cause a wrong dose of coffee, vinegar or another natural ingredient?
Regularized pesticides come with indications and guidelines on the ideal amount and frequency. Plants are delicate and need precise amounts of nutrients, manures and fertilizers . Therefore, beware of homemade gardening recipes.
6. Pruning stimulates plant growth
True! Pruning is essential for some types of plants, as it allows new branches and leaves to grow healthily. You don’t need to know everything about gardening, but identifying if your plant needs pruning is one of the most important skills.
In general, you can cut old parts that will not develop, giving way to new plant formations. Also avoid pruning the flowers in flowering season. The ideal is to wait for the buds to stop growing.
7. Talking helps plants grow
It’s not like that. There are no scientific studies that prove that talking to vegetables is beneficial for their growth. However, when talking to plants, you release CO², a gas that serves as food for them!
Therefore, many experts accept this practice as valid. Talking can also be very beneficial for the gardener, who creates a loving relationship with the plants. In doubt, talk to yours! Among gardening tools , there is none more useful than affection.