Weeding Out The Grey Areas

Spring has a way of bringing gardens back to life, and with it a patchwork of gardening advice gained from various sources: some timeless, some questionable. So which of these ‘pearls of wisdom’ are true and which are just myth?

GARDENA South Africa takes a closer look to sort a few facts from fiction.

The tricky thing about gardening myths is that the consequences aren’t always obvious. A practice may be repeated for years without us questioning whether it could be contributing to a problem we simply attribute to something else.

We’ve put five commonly held beliefs under the microscope and here’s what the science tells us:

1. Watering in Hot Weather

Myth: The hotter the weather, the more often you should water. But if it’s rained, there’s no need to water.

Fact: Neither is a reliable rule for watering. Plants have different water requirements, and frequent, light watering can encourage shallow root systems. More established plants may benefit from deeper watering at longer intervals, while a heavy downpour can sometimes produce more runoff than moisture reaching the root zone.

Check the soil rather than relying solely on the weather or the calendar. If the soil is still moist below the surface, there’s no need to reach for the hose. If it is dry, water thoroughly enough to penetrate the root zone.

GARDENA Product Fit:  For everyday watering, scheduling irrigation using  GARDENA Automatic Water computers and sprinklers is a practical choice for flexible garden irrigation, while the GARDENA Micro-Drip-System helps deliver water accurately to pots, beds and plant rows, supporting deeper, more efficient watering at root level.






2. Leaf Scorch

Myth: Water droplets sitting on leaves in hot sunshine act like tiny magnifying glasses and scorch the foliage.

Fact: This is a long-standing gardening belief, but the evidence does not support it. Water droplets do not focus sunlight strongly enough to scorch leaves.

The bigger issue when watering in hot conditions is evaporation. Early morning or late afternoon can be more efficient.

GARDENA Product Fit:  The GARDENA Micro-Drip-System delivers water directly to the soil around the roots, making timing less important. For targeted manual watering, pair a GARDENA Hose with suitable a GARDENA Spraygun for easy, flexible use around the garden.

3. Fallen leaves

Myth: Leaves should always be raked up.

Fact: Not necessarily. Leaves mown into fine pieces can decompose on a lawn and feed the soil, though a very thick layer may need raking first, since mowing alone won't always chop it small enough to prevent smothering.

GARDENA Product Fit:  If leaf cover is too thick, the GARDENA combisystem Lawn Rake is ideal for gathering leaves, grass clippings and garden waste quickly. For mixed areas, the GARDENA combisystem Adjustable Rake offers flexible clearing for leaves and cuttings.

4. Digging the Soil

Myth: Digging soil is essential for improving its fertility.

Fact: Turning the soil with a spade or fork is not the only way to improve soil health and, in some circumstances, disturbing it can do more harm than good. Digging can disrupt earthworms, fungi and the soil structure that supports healthy plant growth.

A less disruptive approach is to add well-rotted organic matter to the surface and allow these organisms, along with roots and natural processes, to incorporate it over time. This is the principle behind no-dig gardening, although the best approach will depend on the condition and intended use of the soil.

GARDENA Product Fit:  For lighter soil preparation and surface-level cultivation, the GARDENA NatureLine Rake can be used for raking, levelling and working the soil, while the GARDENA NatureLine Spading Fork is useful where soil needs gentle loosening without unnecessary over-digging.

5. Grass Clippings

Myth: Leaving grass clippings on the lawn causes thatch, a layer of undecomposed plant material that can build up between the grass and soil.

Fact: Grass clippings are not a significant cause of thatch. Short clippings are largely made up of water and readily degradable material, so they break down quickly and return nutrients to the lawn.

The emphasis here is on the word ‘short’. Clippings of about 2.5 cm or less can generally be left where they fall provided they are distributed evenly. Long, wet clippings can form clumps that shade and smother the grass underneath, so these should be removed or spread out.

GARDENA Product Fit:  To maintain neat lawns, a GARDENA Leaf and Lawn Collector gathers clippings and leaves, helping to reduce the need for additional raking. Where clippings or leaves need to be cleared manually, the GARDENA combisystem Lawn Rake is a practical clean-up tool.

Growing Wiser

These are some of the most persistent myths in the gardening space, and watering habits especially tend to be the reason people don't get the results they're hoping for.

Ultimately, gardening is a learning curve, and while some gardening advice deserves a gold medal, some deserves quiet retirement. Knowing the difference often comes down to trial, error, and the occasional dead plant.

Because, in the end, it’s the garden that has the final word.