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Now that the gardening season is in full swing, so is the bad advice. There is no shortage of social media “experts” doling out “genius gardening hacks,” and well-intended friends who, frankly, don’t know what they’re talking about.
Their tips might sound brilliant on the surface, but dig deeper and you’ll find many belong in the compost pile.
Here are some common myths and misconceptions that might seem to make sense but can ruin your garden and waste money.
Bad advice: Use vinegar as a ‘safe and natural’ weedkiller
Household vinegar merely serves as a contact herbicide that burns leaves without killing roots, so the weeds often grow back. Horticultural vinegar, which has a stronger concentration of acetic acid, is more effective but can damage soil, harm nearby plants, and must be used with caution (wear gloves and goggles) to avoid injury to skin and eyes.
Instead: Manually pull weeds from garden beds, then cover the soil with 3-4 inches of organic mulch to discourage more from taking hold. Any that do germinate in the mulch will pull up very easily.
To eliminate small weeds from cracks and crevices between pavers, sprinkle with baking soda on a dry, windless day and let it sit (do not use baking soil in garden beds or on the lawn). Other efficient methods include using a crevice weeding tool or targeted propane flame tool to remove or destroy the weeds. Either way, fill cracks with sand or sealant afterward to prevent recurrences.
Bad advice: Apply wound paint to seal cuts on pruned tree limbs
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