Myths and superstitions are part of the rich fabric of our lives – we rely on them to forecast the weather, tell the future and even to grow plants! The trouble is that sometimes it’s very difficult to separate fact from fiction. Throughout the program Don debunked a few of those classic gardening myths.
Myth: Bottles filled with water will keep dogs from defecating on the lawn
Fact: A New Zealand study indicates that rather than deterring dogs, the bottles may attract them. In a month-long trial 27 lawns were monitored daily; bottles were left on 14, and 13 had no bottles. Results showed that the lawns with bottles were 3.6 times more likely to have dogs defecate there than the lawns without bottles.
Myth: Crocks in the bottom of pots improve drainage
Fact: Don warned against using broken crocks or anything else in the bottom of pots, because it can actually impede drainage. Modern potting mixes drain beautifully, so choose a good potting mix and no other action is necessary. The only exception is that some pots, especially terracotta ones, have only one small drain hole in the bottom. The best solution to that problem is simply to drill a few more holes.
Myth: Use metho to get rid of mealybugs
Fact: Mealybugs have small pink, yellow or grey bodies covered with white, powdery wax and fringed with waxy threads. Sooty mould grows on the honeydew they produce. They are very persistent, sap-sucking pests, which hide in protected places on the plant as well as underground. They feed on the leaves causing distortion and wilting.
Over the years Don has used various sprays to get rid of mealybugs, but to no avail. Dabbing them with a cottonbud soaked in methylated spirits is extremely tedious and not very effective. Don recommends throwing out affected plants, as the mealybugs may spread. If the mealybugs are on an indoor plant you could try integrated pest management, that is using one insect to control another. For more information contact:
Bugs for Bugs
Integrated Pest Management Pty Ltd
Phone: (07) 4165 4663
Website: www.bugsforbugs.com.au
Myth: Proteas, like waratahs, are Australian native plants Fact: Proteas and leucadendrons are from South Africa. The waratah is an Australian native. However, they all belong to the same plant family