Gardening superstitions and folklore have been passed down for generations. Some of these beliefs may seem a bit odd or out there, but they’ve been around for so long that it’s hard not to wonder if there’s any truth to them. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular gardening superstitions and see if they hold any weight.
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Planting by the Moon
The belief is that planting by the phase of the moon can affect the growth and success of your plants. According to this folklore, planting during a full moon will result in bigger and more productive plants, while planting during a new moon will result in smaller, weaker plants. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, some gardeners swear by it.
Using Eggshells
Some gardeners believe that crushing eggshells and adding them to the soil will provide extra calcium for the plants, and thus make them stronger. While it’s true that eggshells are a good source of calcium, it’s important to remember that plants can’t absorb the calcium until the shells have been broken down into a fine powder, which can take a long time.
Using Coffee Grounds
Many people believe that adding coffee grounds to the soil will provide plants with extra nitrogen, making them grow bigger and stronger. While coffee grounds do contain nitrogen, it’s not in a form that plants can easily absorb, and it’s not enough to make a significant difference in growth.
Singing to your plants
This superstition states that singing to your plants will help them to grow better. Some research suggests this might be true! Either way, it can’t hurt to see to your plants if it makes you happy.
Planting on Good Friday
According to gardening folklore, planting on Good Friday will result in a bountiful harvest. While the exact reason for this is unclear, it’s possible that this superstition has something to do with the idea that Good Friday is a sacred day and therefore planting on that day will bring good luck.
The only problem is that Good Friday falls on a different day each year, so this isn’t a reliable way to time your planting. Instead, pay attention to your last estimated frost date and plant cold-sensitive varieties after that date.
At the end of the day, there’s no harm in trying out these superstitions and seeing if they work for you. Gardening is a personal experience and what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
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