key takeaways
- Healthy soil should be preferred, but sometimes pre-made fertilizer is better than a home hack.
- Instead of trying stories of old wives for insect disturbances, gardeners should try insect-resistant plants.
- Horticulture should always be about happiness; It is important to nurture a relationship for our environment.
We are all in the size of stories of family knowledge and old wives, even if we washing our clothes, kitchens and yes, even in our gardens. Often, this advice lasts for generations because it is at the point. The second time, it has just become a habit.
Keeping this in mind, we decided to investigate with some garden professionals to find out what they learned from their own grandparents, what gardening advice from his own grandparents, and which tidbits have stood on the test of time.
Meet experts
- Mary Philips The native plant at the National Wildlife Federation is headed by habitat strategy and certificates.
- Linda waiter Southern Living® is a professional garden designer and spokesperson for plant collection.
- Wes Harvel Jackson and Perkins Garden are rose specialists for supply stores.
Feed the soil, not only the plant
Zbynek Popisil / Getty Pictures
Horticulture Prof. Mary Philips says that her grandparents were the favorite mantra of Dadi Feed the soil, not only the plant.
“They never Sprayed chemical fertilizer,
For Philips, this advice not only works, it goes into her adult life.
“Feeding the soil is the secret of a rich garden,” she says. ,Healthy soil supports a diverse ecosystemImproves water retention, reduces the requirement of synthetic fertilizer, and eventually leads to healthy plants. ,
As a great proponent of wildlife-friendly gardens, Philip says that his compost is as important for his own attitude to gardening as it was for his grandparents.
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Close pests with human hair
According to Pro Garden Designer Linda Waiter, her grandparents used hair with a hairbrush. Pest,
“The idea behind this is that adding a human fragrance to the garden will make insects away from your prized plants, reducing unwanted nibling and protect your garden reward,” she says.
While another generation may have been sworn in by this method, Water is suspected – especially because you have to clearly change the hair.
“There are many other solutions that have a proven track record of success,” she says.
Instead, Water is a big proposer for planting Pest-resistant plantFor example, there is a facility of thorns and rough texture that are difficult or unpleasant to chew.
“You can also plant these insect-resistant plants to prevent garden snakes as a border around more attractive flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs,” she says.
Never leave the soil naked
Credit:
Alastair James / Getty Images
As another tip from his grandparents, Philips says that he was taught that he should never let the soil be naked.
“They were firm believers in mulching, often straw, chopped leaves, or using wooden chips around their plants,” she says. “If they did not have wet grass, they would set up groundover.”
Now, as an adult, Philips understands that it is a great way to support soil health and conserve water.
“is using The native groundcover and wet grass suppresses weedsReducing competition for resources, “Philips, who notes that it also models soil temperature, prevents evaporation, and connects organic materials.” The bare soil easily disappears and dries quickly. ,
Banana peels next to rose bushes
According to Rose Expert Wes Harvel, his grandparents taught him Burry banana peels Based on his rose bushes. This, he said, they should help in blooming big and bright.
“While this may be true, (banana peels are) is a targeted nutrient of potassium, only one of the nutrients is required for roses,” says necklace. “Always start with a soil test to know what you need to revise it before modifying it.”
However, when the soil is encountered that calls for a potassium boost, Harvel accepts that he still uses a version of the same trick – just with a twist. Instead of burying the entire banana peels completely, he bites or mixes them and mixes them in his manure.
“This is a simple, durable way to reuse waste and naturally feed the soil,” they say. “The peel can be soaked in water for a few days to make a tea that can be used for water roses.”
But if you feel that banana peels are not doing anything for your garden, then Harvel says that it is best to choose a balanced rose fertilizer, including both potassium and phosphorus.
Catch and release small insects
According to the gardening architect and the author Peter CroseThey have memories of the process of getting their grandfather’s daily insect-pun: in their botanical garden.
“He told me that before having his breakfast every day, he passes through the garden to catch and remove the snails,” Crow. “It became part of his morning routine – he would go to check the vegetables, but also see if the snails were causing trouble.”
For Crowe, it inspired the idea that every aspect of gardening could pay attention and relaxation.
“This connects you to the garden and makes maintenance less than a burden and more a moment of peace and happiness.”
Always remember that gardening is about happiness
One thing that we all often forget when it comes to walking in our homes and gardens, it should all be about happiness. Philips says that his grandfather, in particular, was a very large proposer to remember this important fact.
She says, “She taught me the value of creating co -existence with wildlife and having a relationship with the natural world,” she says. “The garden is a living system, where everything is connected.”
