24 Gardener's Old Wives Tales that Really Work

15.02.2024 - 11:47 / balconygardenweb.com / Raul Cornelius

For many generations, gardeners and groundskeepers have held on to the idea that plants can grow up faster if you whisper or talk to them. Meanwhile, the old wives’ tale contains many weird garden tales that are worth exploring!

Urine is rich in nitrogen, and that’s no secret. Though the urine’s composition is not the same for every person, it usually has an 11:1:2 (NPK) ratio.

So, the nitrogen in human urine can cause the foliage to grow lush and abundant. However, remember not to apply direct urine to the plants as the high salt content can burn them. It is best to dilute it with water in 1:10 ratio before applying it to the roots. 

This old wives’ tale is similar to how germophobic parent keeps their tiny children off public transport. Though nobody wants the children to be licking their seats, a little exposure to dust and dirt can help develop their immune systems. So, it is believed the same for the tree. 

The belief is that  if you tie up the roots and the trunks of the plants together to benefit them. It can also keep them from any harm from strong winds and heavy rains. 

Moss, as you know, has no vertical growth and roots, and they cannot compete with the other plants in the garden either below or above the ground. It loves to grow on moist soil with bare footfall.

However, the growing moss can make your landscape look upsetting, and also, there is a bit of a danger that you may slip on the moss yourself. 

You can put kitchen waste in the garden for an organic blend.

Make a 1-1.5 feet long ditch between the rows of crops in your garden. Start dumping your kitchen waste (fruits, veggies, eggshells and meat leftovers) from one end of the trench.

Cover up the ditch with soil to avoid any fly trouble or foul odor.