Blog - gardenmyths.com

GMO Houseplant Purifies Air – True or Scam?

The company Neoplants has been in the news a lot lately because they promoted a new genetically engineered houseplant that is claimed to clean the air in your home. In their Neo Px white paper they say, “we created a bioengineered plant system that can effectively fight air pollution”.

What is the true story?

Key Takeaways

GMO pothos houseplants have been developed that are more efficient than non-GMO plants at removing VOCs.
The new GMO plants are not yet efficient enough to make a difference in your home.

Is this the future of clean air? source: Depositphotos

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What Do Weeds Tell Us About Soil?

Are weeds good indicator plants? Does the presence of a particular weeds tell you something about your soil? There are many claims online that you can tell the pH of your soil by checking the weeds. Some claim that weeds indicate an imbalance in the ratio of bacteria to fungi, and other claim they can be used to detect nutrient deficiencies. Let’s separate myth from fact.

Key Takeaways

Weeds are much more versatile than most people think and many are not always good indicator plants.
Indicator plants can tell you about your soil, but they can difficult to read.

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How To Lower High Phosphorus Levels in Soil

Over fertilization with either synthetic and organic material can result in toxic soil that no longer supports plant growth. This is a common problem in raised beds that are filled with too much organic matter but it can occur in any garden. Today I’ll have a look at both the cause of high phosphorus in soil and ways that you can use to reduce the level.

Key Takeaways

High phosphorus levels are a series problem that is becoming more common.
Reduce the use of synthetic and organic fertilizer with high relative phosphorus.
Reduce P levels by growing the right crops and removing all organic matter.

High phosphorus levels can be toxic to plants, source: Depositphotos

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Does Gardening Harm the Environment?

As gardeners we think that our hobby is good for the environment but a new study finds that it is more harmful to the environment than conventional agriculture. If we follow the science, it would be better for climate change if we stop growing our own food.

girl holding large tomato, in front of a desolate background — Does gardening harm the environment?, source: Depositphotos

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Control Slugs and Snails with Bread Dough

Now that sounds crazy! You are trying to get rid of slugs and snails and now some people are suggesting you feed them with bread dough? This sounds like another DIY garden myth, but it’s not. In this case, it is a simple solution that has been scientifically tested and proven to work.

ball of uncooked bread dough with four snails crawling on it. — Snails are attracted to bread dough, source: Depositphotos

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How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally, In the Garden

Some gardeners must hate ants because they are constantly talking about natural ways to get rid of them in the garden. If you thought home remedies are popular for things like slugs or weeds, it doesn’t compare to the number of solutions available for getting rid of ants naturally.

A lot of research has been done on fire ants, and for good reason. They bite and sting and their sting is painful.

What does the science tell us about controlling ants outside? Let’s have a closer look at natural home remedies for getting rid of ants.

How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally, In the Garden, photo by Brian Mai

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Is Copper Sulfate in Miracle-Gro Fertilizer Toxic?

Some types of Miracle-Gro fertilizer are a blue color due to the addition of copper sulfate. But copper sulfate is toxic to microbes and fungi. Several online sites and videos are now claiming that it makes the fertilizer toxic and should never be used because it kills soil microbes. Are they right?

box of Miracle-gro fertilizer with crystals of copper sulfate. — Copper sulfate crystals are blue giving the fertilizer its distinctive color, source: Depositphotos

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Leek Moth on Garlic: Identification, Prevention, and Control

Garlic crops are now at risk from the destructive leek moth, a pest known for causing significant damage and reducing yields. If you’re noticing holes in your garlic leaves or frass (insect excrement), you might be dealing with this moth. It’s crucial to identify and prevent these pests early on to ensure a healthy and bountiful garlic harvest.

The leek moth also attacks onions and leeks and the information in this post also applies to these crops.

top of a garlic plant showing chew marks on the scape — Leek moth damage on garlic scape and upper leaves, source: U. of Vermont

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Vinegar is Now the Active Ingredient in Roundup

Roundup is a household name in gardening and farming communities. Initially known for its glyphosate-based formula, it has evolved into a product line with various formulations. This article provides an overview of different Roundup products, with a focus on the new vinegar-based Roundup and its possible use in organic gardening.

Several different types of roundup beside each other

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Does Core Aeration on Lawns Work?

Walking on your lawn compacts the soil which in turn grows poor lawn grass. The solution is simple. Aerate your lawn. Aeration is claimed to loosen the soil, reduce compaction, reduce thatch and grow better grass. But is this really true?

drawing of a lawn with plugs taken out and a big NO sign over it — Core aeration does not work as well as claimed in this drawing, source: Depositphotos

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Traditional Spring Lawn Care is Done Wrong

Lawn care is an important part of a gardeners job but there are several myths surrounding this work. What should you do, and not do, to your grass in spring?

In this post I will look at lawn maintenance for temperate climates that grow cool growing types of grass.

girl pushing a lawn mower — Mowing height is important for proper lawn care, source: Depositphotos

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Dealing with Voles and Moles

Voles or moles – which one is damaging your lawn and garden? They can be tricky to get rid of but before you do anything, figure out which you have and understand these interesting animals better.

Once you understand the problem you can look for the right solution. I’ll discuss some options in this post.

Mole and vole lawn damage, by Tuff Turf Mole Busters — Mole and vole damage to lawns, by Tuff Turf Mole Busters

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