Common Gardening Fertilizer Myths

Many gardeners have learned a lot of old fashioned of gardening tricks from their parents or grandparents. In their day, they did not run to the store every time they needed something for their garden. Instead, they used what was available, like egg shells, to improve their soil. Some old-fashioned methods work, but there are some ideas that are purely garden myths! Watch our video where Tricia talks all about some common fertilizing myths.
But burying banana peels in the garden provides fun food for the worms that roam there. They told me so. And then they’ll poop out good fertilizer, though you won’t know exactly where it is. If you want it somewhere specific, you’ll have to talk it over with the worms. :)
1. While I’ve never claimed to know why it works (I’ve speculated), I have found banana peels to help with aphid issues. I don’t know if it’s the potassium in the peels or if it’s simply some bug killer that was used on the bananas, but I’ve seen a very definite impact on aphid problems by burying a peel or two in the hole when I plant my tomatoes and peppers. Give it a try.
2. In terms of changing out container soil, I think that’s necessary for some people because they get too carried away with fertilizer or other such substances. If the soil is properly maintained, then yes, they may not need to change it out every year, but that very easily may not have been the case – there could even have been issues with watering that resulted in a buildup of salt in the soil. The change out could also be good where crop rotation isn’t an option and they’re planting something that is overly sensitive to a lack of rotation.
What type of fertilizer for my perennial lilacs, gladiolus and iris?
Kojo, you should use a fertilizer with more phosphorus, that is for buds and blooms.
Kojo, you should use a fertilizer with more phosphorus, that is for buds and blooms.