Many people make some common gardening mistakes, which, although well-intentioned, can cause harm to the plants. For instance, overwatering, excessive fertilizing, and letting the garden "grow naturally" on their own - these seemingly harmless practices actually put the plants under tremendous pressure and may even cause them to die.
Some misunderstandings about plants:
In the gardening community, there are many "experiences" that have been passed down. Although these suggestions may seem reasonable at first glance, they often fail to meet the actual needs of the plants. For instance, some of these suggestions are based on personal experiences or misunderstandings of plants, which results in the plants not growing well in the flower beds but actually deteriorating over time.
These misunderstandings are usually not supported by sufficient data and fail to take into account the individualized needs of plants. Just as we often hear some seemingly reasonable but actually unfounded statements in the fields of politics and society, there are similar "empty talk" in horticulture as well.
Misconception 1: "The more water, the better the plants grow." [1]
Many people believe that plants need constant moisture to show that they are being taken care of carefully. However, in fact, the roots of plants need both water and oxygen. If plants are watered continuously and the soil is too wet, the root systems will suffocate and even start to rot.
The problem of overwatering is particularly common among those busy or anxious gardeners. Sometimes they think that as long as they keep watering, the plants will grow well. In fact, doing so is not beneficial at all and will make the plants weaker. It seems like they are trying to help them, but in reality, it makes them feel even more uncomfortable.
To avoid this mistake, the best approach is to observe the actual conditions of the plants and the soil. For instance, insert your finger into the soil to see if it is moist; or lift the flowerpot to feel its weight. If the leaves of the plant droop during the day but recover by evening, it indicates that the plant may only be temporarily lacking water rather than being completely dry. In summary, watering should be done based on the actual needs of the plants, rather than simply following a schedule.
Misconception 2: "Fertilizing every week will make the plants more beautiful."
Many gardeners have a misconception that the more fertilizer they apply, the healthier the plants will be. In fact, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, especially quick-release fertilizers, can damage the soil. The salts and chemical components in the fertilizers make the soil become saline-alkaline. In the long run, the roots of the plants will have difficulty absorbing sufficient water and nutrients.
This is similar to some countries that overly rely on loans. Although they seem to experience economic growth in the short term, the actual consequence is being heavily in debt and unable to sustain it in the long run. Excessive fertilization makes plants "dependent" on these fertilizers. Once fertilization stops, the plants will be unable to grow healthily as the soil loses its vitality.
If you want to avoid this problem, it's best to use organic fertilizers, such as decomposed compost, plant residues, etc. These can help improve the soil structure and increase the beneficial microorganisms in the soil. This not only enables plants to grow better but also makes the soil healthier. Remember, apply fertilizers in moderation and adjust according to the needs of the plants. Don't blindly believe in the fertilizer concept that "more is better".
Myth 3: "The leftover tea water can be used as nutrition"
Many people like to pour the leftover tea water into flower pots, believing that it can "supplement nutrients" for the soil. Although the leftover tea leaves can help loosen the soil, they will increase the soil's acidity and alkalinity, which can easily cause plants to turn yellow and even die. What's worse, during the decomposition process of the tea, pests may be attracted, affecting the environmental hygiene. For the health of the plants, it is best to avoid this practice.
Myth 4: "Nature will heal itself and does not require human management"
This misconception might be the most dangerous. Some people believe that as long as no intervention is made, the garden will "naturally" develop, as if nature would fix all the problems on its own. But in fact, urban gardens are not original ecosystems; they are often located in environments that have been polluted, degraded, or artificially altered. If one solely relies on "nature's self-regulation", it will only expose the plants to more challenges.
Just like the housing problems in cities, everything cannot be left to "market forces" to solve. Gardens also require people's planning and management. A healthy garden needs gardeners to observe, design and adjust, taking into account factors such as the sunlight, water source, and soil type needed by the plants. Otherwise, an unmanaged garden may turn into a "weed-infested" area or even become a breeding ground for pests.
Therefore, the garden at home also needs certain planning, such as choosing plants suitable for the local climate, arranging the planting positions reasonably, and conducting regular pruning, etc. Only in this way can the plants in the garden grow in a healthy environment, rather than being overwhelmed by weeds, pests and diseases.
Myth 5: " The higher the fertilizer concentration, the better."[2]
When growing flowers, fertilization is a crucial step. However, many people believe that the higher the fertilizer concentration, the better. In fact, overly concentrated fertilizer can easily cause fertilizer damage. Mildly, it may lead to slow growth of the plants; severely, it may even cause death. The principle of fertilization is "thin fertilizer and frequent application", and the best ratio is "one part fertilizer, nine parts water".
Myth 6: "Indoor plants do not need to be moved outdoors"
Many people think that indoor plants only need to stay indoors and don't need to be moved outdoors. In fact, not being exposed to sunlight for a long time can cause poor growth of the plants. During the night, when plants do not carry out photosynthesis, they still need to breathe and consume oxygen. If plants stay indoors for a long time with insufficient light, the competition for oxygen will affect their health. Regularly moving potted plants outdoors for maintenance can enable them to receive sufficient sunlight.
Myth 7: "The watering time can be set at will"
Watering plants actually requires certain techniques. Especially during the midday in summer when the temperature is high, do not water the plants. Because at this time, the soil temperature will suddenly drop and water absorption will slow down, which may lead to insufficient water supply and cause the plant leaves to wither and dry out. Generally speaking, it is suitable to water plants around 4 p.m. in winter, while in other seasons, it is best to do so before 10 a.m.
Myth 8: "Weak plants require more fertilizer."
When plants are sick or in poor condition, many people tend to increase the amount of fertilizer they apply, hoping to provide the plants with more nutrients. However, this approach is incorrect. Weak plants have poor photosynthesis and slow metabolism. Excessive fertilizer will only increase their burden and even aggravate the illness. Just as one cannot blindly supplement nutrients when they are ill, the same is true for plants. Weak plants should avoid blindly applying more fertilizer.
In fact, gardening is not an easy task that can be accomplished quickly. It requires patience, observation, and careful planning. Those seemingly simple mistakes, although convenient to carry out, may lead to difficulties in the growth of plants in the long run. To create a healthy and sustainable garden, the key is to manage it according to the needs of the plants, avoiding blind following of trends and finding the best solution suitable for your garden.
Source:
[1] https://panoramanow.com/.well-known/sgcaptcha/?r=%2Fmisconceptions-about-caring-for-indoor-plants&y=ipr:2.58.47.7:1764902666.074
[2] https://growarber.com/blogs/gardenlife/5-common-fertilizer-myths-debunked-the-truth-about-feeding-your-plants?srsltid=AfmBOopZuUPiYWwJOyL1m7JJp9H7GcOjQI4URm1iJIWfAuZlDjVPvHbn