Gardening is a lovely and gratifying hobby. Whether you’re tending to your outdoor garden or your indoor windowsill garden, getting your hands dirty in soil and watching the growth you’ve cultivated is quite pleasing.
Though all plants are different and require different care methods. While there are some generalizations about gardening care, not all are true. Let’s debunk some gardening myths, so your garden can be as healthy as possible.
And when planting, don’t forget your plant’s favorite companion, its planter. Planter Resource, established in 1994, is the resource for planters on the East Coast. For all your terrace, rooftop, hotel, restaurant, residential property, and, of course, garden needs, Planter Resource has the perfect planter for your space. Check out our shop or give us a call to find the perfect planter to make your plant happy!
1. Myth: Planting in good soil means there is no need to fertilize.
Fact: While it’s true that planting in good soil is essential, all plants need certain nutrients to grow. Over time, the soil will lose some of these nutrients, which is why fertilization is necessary. However, too much fertilization can cause the “burning” of the plants. You should test your soil first to determine its nutrient levels, then select a fertilizer that complements the plants’ needs.
2. Myth: Fertilizer is always necessary for healthy plants.
Fact: While fertilizing can be beneficial, it’s not always necessary for healthy plants. Plants can get nutrients from the soil, sunlight, and water. In some cases, too much fertilizer can harm plants, leading to stunted growth or even death. Remember, before adding fertilizer, soil test. This can help you decide what type of fertilizer to use and how much to apply.
3. Myth: Watering plants during the hottest part of the day is the best time to water.
Fact: This is one of the most common myths in gardening, and it’s wholly inaccurate. Watering plants during the hottest part of the day causes the water to evaporate quickly. As it evaporates, it can take some of the plant’s moisture with it, leaving the plant without the nourishment it needs.
Instead, water plants in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, so the water can penetrate the soil and reach the plants.
Planter Resource provides some pretty cool planters that are the perfect material for keeping in moisture. Terracotta planters, for instance, are wonderful planters for this purpose. Read about the benefits of terracotta here.
4. Myth: Adding stones or gravel at the bottom of pots helps drainage.
Fact: Adding stones or gravel to the bottom of your pots can actually cause drainage issues. Water will accumulate in the soil above the stones, potentially causing root rot or fungal disease. In fact, planting the plant too deeply can also cause this issue. There needs to be a balance in the soil to help roots receive the necessary nutrients.
Instead, fill the entire planter with soil and add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. And choose a planter that promotes drainage. Perhaps, a cedar planter?
5. Myth: All the leaves on a plant should be removed to promote growth.
Fact: This myth is also prevalent among gardeners who think removing all the leaves from a plant will stimulate growth. However, leaves are essential to the plant’s growth as they contain chlorophyll, which converts light to energy for the plant. If you remove the leaves, you remove the plant’s ability to grow and receive light. It’s recommended that you only prune a plant’s leaves when they are dead, diseased, or damaged.
On the other hand, cutting leaves in a bouquet of flowers benefits the arrangement and keeps the flowers healthier for longer.
6. Myth: The more you water your plants, the better.
Fact: Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. It can lead to root rot, which can harm and even kill plants. Each plant has different watering requirements, so it’s important to research and understand them before watering.
As a general rule, most plants prefer soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Consider factors such as drainage and climate when watering. Of course, this is not universal. Some plants excel in dry soil (cacti, for instance).
7. Myth: Bigger Pots Mean Bigger Plants
Fact: Many gardeners believe that the larger the pot, the bigger the plant will grow. However, this is not entirely true. While a bigger pot can give your plants more room to grow, choosing the right pot size for the plant is essential. Plants in a pot that is too big will use too much energy growing roots rather than focusing on producing flowers or fruits. Choose a pot that is the right size for the plant, and you’ll see healthier and more productive plants.
If you have any questions about the best size for your planter, Planter Resource has the answer. We offer a range of sizes for all of our products. Chances are, you’ll find the best fit with one of our planters.
8. Myth: All Bugs Are Bad
Fact: Another common myth is that all bugs are harmful to your garden. While some pests can damage your plants, others are beneficial and help keep harmful insects in check. For instance, ladybugs and praying mantises can eat aphids, spider mites, and other harmful bugs that can damage your plants. Instead of reaching for pesticides, identify the bugs in your garden and learn which are beneficial and which are harmful.
9. Myth: Plants Need Full Sun All Day
Fact: While many plants require full sun to grow and thrive, not all plants can handle the intense heat and light all day. In fact, too much sun can lead to sunscald, drying out the leaves and causing them to drop prematurely. Research the specific light requirements of your plants and position them in a spot that receives the right amount of sunlight for their needs.
Most likely, your plants came with basic guidelines for the right amount of sun and water. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor garden, be sure to position your plants so they receive the amount of sunlight they prefer for optimal health.
10. Myth: Talking to Your Plant Helps
TBD: This is a personal preference. See for yourself whether or not talking to your plants benefits their health. After all, it won’t hurt one way or another. Let us know your success with this gardening myth!
Plant Needs Change With the Seasons
Another common misconception is that once a plant is thriving, it will continue to thrive without any environmental adjustments. In reality, plants change with the seasons, and so do their needs.
A planter that worked well in early spring may not perform the same way in peak summer heat. This is especially relevant in June, when growth accelerates and water evaporation increases. Small adjustments in placement, watering rhythm, or container type can make a significant difference in overall plant health.
Prevention Is Better Than Plant Recovery
It is also worth remembering that successful gardening is often about prevention rather than correction.
Many issues, such as root stress, uneven moisture, or stunted growth, begin long before visible symptoms appear. A well-matched planter can reduce these risks by improving drainage balance, regulating temperature, and providing root space from the start. That is why experienced gardeners and landscapers often focus just as much on the container as they do on the plant itself.
Your Go-To Planter Resource
Gardening myths are plentiful, and it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. So you may just need to test out certain methods and track which ones have the most success. After all, each plant you care for has its own distinct relationship with you. Some plants that are a little trickier to care for may, in fact, need fertilizer or less light.
Do your research, and when your plants need a stronger foundation to grow in, turn to Planter Resource for expert guidance and premium planters designed for real results. Whether you are upgrading container size, switching materials, or building out a full garden or commercial installation, our team is here to help you choose the right solution for long-term plant health.
Call us today at (631) 451-1254 or visit Planter Resource to explore our full collection and find planters that support stronger, healthier, and more beautiful growth all season long.
