Today we’re going to talk about common gardening myths. In some cases we know how these myths got started but, in others, there’s just no telling. In reality, most myths go back to the concept of causation versus correlation we touched on briefly way back in episode seven, “Why Gardening is Good for Your Health.” A correlation means there may be some relationship between two things but does not automatically mean that a change in one is the cause of a change in the other. But, that’s how most garden myths get started. Someone has an idea to try something, does it, sees a good result, and then continues to do it. They also tell their gardening friends and then, suddenly, everybody simply “knows” that this thing is the best way to do something in the garden. Many times, it’s harmless, if not a waste of time and money. But, sometimes, it can actually be detrimental to your garden or your health.

So, let’s dig in to ten common garden myths you may have heard and explore whether they are true, false, or maybe it depends?

Resources in this episode:

https://news.psu.edu/story/141343/2008/08/25/research/probing-question-does-talking-plants-help-them-grow

https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2010/4/The-Marvelous-Marigold/

Field Evaluation of Coffee Grounds Application for Crop Growth Enhancement, Weed Control, and Soil Improvement

The Myth of Drainage Material in Container Plantings

Does landscape mulch lead to termites in your home?

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