10 Gardening Lies I Believed For Way Too Long

Gardening is one of those things that feels as good for the soul as it is for your yard. Whether I’m planting tomatoes or pulling weeds with my toddler “helping” nearby, it’s my happy place. But let me tell you, over the years, I’ve heard so much advice that turned out to be more myth than fact. Some of it even made my life harder instead of easier.

If you’ve ever tried burying banana peels for fertilizer or worried about watering in the sun, you’re not alone. These myths spread quickly, and they sound believable enough to make you wonder. Let’s sort out the truth so your garden—and your sanity—can thrive.

All Organic Pesticides Are Safe

It’s easy to assume that “organic” means harmless, but that’s not always true with pesticides. Organic doesn’t equal safe if not used correctly. For example, pyrethrin, a natural insecticide from chrysanthemum flowers, can be toxic to bees and aquatic life. Even organic products can harm people, pets, or beneficial insects if misapplied.

I’ve learned to take a balanced approach. Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs, using physical barriers like row covers, and practicing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) often handle pests without the need for pesticides. If you must use one, look for safer options like insecticidal soaps or Bt products that minimize risk to your garden’s ecosystem.

Coffee Grounds Quickly Lower Soil pH

Sprinkling coffee grounds around acid-loving plants might seem like a quick fix, but it’s not as effective as many think. While coffee grounds are acidic, their impact on soil pH is minimal and takes a long time to show. Worse, using too much can tie up nitrogen in the soil, leaving your plants starved for nutrients as the grounds decompose.

If you need to adjust your soil’s pH, I recommend adding well-rotted compost or peat moss to gradually lower it over time. Testing your soil regularly helps you track progress, and sulfur-based soil acidifiers can provide a faster, more reliable solution when necessary. Sometimes, it’s easier to grow plants that love your soil as it is!

You Should Paint Tree Wounds After Pruning

Painting tree wounds after pruning might sound like a good idea, but in most cases, it’s unnecessary and can even slow the natural healing process. Trees are pretty amazing at sealing their own wounds, forming callus tissue that protects against pests and disease. Slapping on wound paint can sometimes trap moisture and create a breeding ground for decay.

That said, there are exceptions. If you’re pruning oaks or birches, which are prone to diseases spread by beetles attracted to fresh cuts, a tree-wound dressing can offer some protection. For most trees, though, it’s best to let nature do the work.

Ripen Green Tomatoes on a Sunny Window Sill

Ripening green tomatoes on a sunny windowsill is one of those myths that seems logical but isn’t actually the best way. Tomatoes don’t need sunlight to ripen. What they do need is ethylene gas, a natural chemical they produce that speeds up the process.

I’ve had better luck wrapping green tomatoes individually in newspaper and stashing them in a cool basement or dark cabinet. The newspaper traps the ethylene gas and helps them ripen evenly without overexposure to heat or light. This method keeps them from drying out, too, which is a win for those late-season stragglers.

Spreading Eggshells in the Garden Can Cure Blossom-End Rot

Blossom-end rot can be a frustrating issue, especially when you’ve spent weeks waiting for your tomatoes to thrive. While it’s true that calcium is essential for healthy tomato growth, spreading eggshells isn’t a quick fix. Eggshells take ages to break down and release their calcium into the soil—much too slow to help your plants this season.

What really causes blossom-end rot? Inconsistent watering. I’ve learned the hard way that tomatoes need steady hydration to avoid this problem. Instead of relying on eggshells, focus on keeping your plants evenly watered and use a calcium-rich fertilizer if needed. Your tomatoes will thank you!

Water Droplets on Leaves Can Cause Sunburn

The idea that water droplets on leaves can cause sunburn is pure gardening folklore. While it sounds plausible—like a magnifying glass effect—it’s been debunked time and time again. What actually happens when you water under the hot sun is the water evaporates too quickly, which wastes your effort.

For best results, I’ve found watering early in the morning or late in the afternoon is the way to go. Drip irrigation is a lifesaver, too—it gets the water right where it’s needed without soaking the leaves. This method also helps prevent diseases, which is a win-win for any gardener.

Banana Peels Are a Magic Fertilizer

The idea of using banana peels as a garden superfood sounds great in theory, but in practice, it’s not so magical. While banana peels are rich in potassium—an important nutrient for plants—they can cause more harm than good if you just bury them in the soil. As they decompose, they pull nitrogen from the soil, leaving your plants with less of what they need to grow.

Instead, I’ve found that composting banana peels is a better way to make use of their nutrients. Toss them into your compost pile so they can break down with other organic materials. When the compost is ready, it’ll provide a balanced boost to your garden. If composting isn’t your thing, using a commercial fertilizer designed for your plants’ needs is a safe bet.

Drought-Tolerant Plants Never Need Watering

Drought-tolerant plants can handle dry conditions, but they’re not invincible. Even the toughest plants need extra care during their early growing stages. Without proper watering at the start, they won’t develop the deep roots they rely on to survive future dry spells.

I remember planting lavender and thinking it could fend for itself from day one. Spoiler: it didn’t. Now I know to water deeply but less often, which helps roots grow strong. Mulching around the base also helps retain moisture, especially during heatwaves. Once your plants are established, you can scale back the watering, but don’t cut it out completely. Even hardy plants need a little TLC sometimes!

Nothing Grows Near a Black Walnut Tree

Black walnut trees might have a bad reputation, but they’re not as garden-unfriendly as you might think. It’s true—they produce juglone, a chemical that can stunt certain plants. But that doesn’t mean everything around them is doomed.

Plants like tulips, daffodils, and Japanese maples can happily coexist with these trees. Flowers such as foxglove, purple coneflower, and impatiens also thrive nearby, making them great choices for sprucing up your yard.

When we first planted near our walnut tree, I worried it would be a barren zone. But after researching and experimenting, I found plenty of plants that didn’t seem to mind the juglone. If you’re unsure, your local cooperative extension can help you figure out what works best in your area.

Compost Piles Smell Bad

A properly managed compost pile shouldn’t smell bad—in fact, it should smell like fresh soil. If your pile reeks, it’s usually a sign of poor airflow. When compost doesn’t get enough oxygen, it starts to break down anaerobically, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s getting swampy. Regularly turning the pile keeps things oxygenated and cuts down on odors.

I learned this the hard way. My first compost pile was a slimy mess because I didn’t add enough leaves or turn it often. Now, I mix in dry leaves and even throw in a bit of soil to balance the moisture. Trust me, it makes a huge difference, and your nose will thank you!