Gardeners often hear about supposed hacks and quick fix. Here are some debunked
Recorded: May 30, 2026, 5 p.m.
| Original | Summarized |
Common gardening myths and misconceptions that could ruin your garden | AP News Menu World SECTIONS Iran war TOP STORIES Trump ponders whether to move forward with Iran deal but hasn't yet decided Israeli soldiers share rare accounts from Gaza, describing ongoing killings despite the ceasefire Rescuers free 4 men who had been trapped in a flooded Laos cave, search for 2 still missing Newsletters The Morning Wire The Afternoon Wire See All Newsletters U.S. SECTIONS Immigration TOP STORIES ICE officer wanted in the shooting of a man during the Minneapolis crackdown is arrested in Texas Bus hits cars in Virginia, killing 5 people and injuring 34, state police say 3 climbers who fell near treacherous pass on Alaska’s Mount McKinley are dead; 1 rescued Newsletters The Morning Wire See All Newsletters Test Your News I.Q. — take today’s quiz Politics SECTIONS 2026 Elections TOP STORIES Judge says Kennedy Center board broke law putting Trump's name on building and blocks closure Judge temporarily blocks payouts from Trump's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' settlement fund Trump claims he's making food more affordable but his examples ignore the big picture Newsletters Ground Game See All Newsletters Sports SECTIONS NBA TOP STORIES Giants' Abdul Carter felt the need to call out Jaxson Dart to show he is against Donald Trump Big 12 becoming first Power Four conference to have all members agree to CSC participation Mexico president Sheinbaum gifts her World Cup ticket to Indigenous athlete Newsletters AP Top 25 Poll Alerts The Sports Wire See All Newsletters Entertainment SECTIONS Movies TOP STORIES What to know about the artists backing out of the Trump-linked Freedom 250 concerts Oscar-winning 'Star Wars' editor Marcia Lucas dies at 80 What to watch for at the Tony Awards on Broadway's biggest night Newsletters AP Entertainment Wire See All Newsletters Business SECTIONS Tariffs TOP STORIES America In Focus: Inflation gauge hits multiyear high as American consumer confidence slides Science SECTIONS Space TOP STORIES Blue Origin investigates rocket explosion as public is warned about possible wreckage washing ashore Newsletters Quizzes Games Fact Check Oddities TOP STORIES Lettuce introduce you to the live frog found in this grocery store salad bag An airport security dog sniffed out something really unusual in a passenger's luggage Viral phenomenon in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animals Happy is an Asian elephant. But is she also a person? Nipper, stay! The future of a beloved dog statue on a New York warehouse is up in the air Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, celebrates her 69th birthday at Berlin Zoo Be Well SECTIONS Trending TOP STORIES You should be dancing, yeah. Moving to music offers all kinds of benefits as you age Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it Most new moms get the baby blues. But it could be something more serious: postpartum depression Photography SECTIONS Photo Essays TOP STORIES At the Kaaba during Hajj, a photographer captures sense of unity and devotion A photo captures President Trump and first lady awaiting British royals from rare White House angle How a low angle and fast lens shaped a photo of Jannik Sinner Newsletters The World in Pictures See All Newsletters AP Investigations Climate SECTIONS Indigenous peoples and climate TOP STORIES Takeout trash is piling up at Michigan universities. There’s no easy fix Plastic bags don't go in the recycling bin. What should you do instead? Brazilian court orders restoration of Fordlandia, Henry Ford’s Amazon ghost town Health TOP STORIES US adult cigarette smoking rate hits another all-time low Trump tells agencies to align with study calling for narrower childhood vaccine recommendations WHO chief visits epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo as cases outpace response FDA staff blindsided by move allowing more e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches onto US market Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it Most new moms get the baby blues. But it could be something more serious: postpartum depression Tech SECTIONS Artificial Intelligence TOP STORIES Humanoids dance and thread needles as Japanese robotics developers look to outdo Chinese AI helps a musician with Parkinson’s finish his new album The barista is human but an AI agent runs this experimental Swedish cafe Lifestyle SECTIONS Food & Recipes TOP STORIES In farm country, an old American pickup truck becomes more than a workhorse You should be dancing, yeah. Moving to music offers all kinds of benefits as you age Gardeners often hear about supposed hacks and quick fixes. Here are some common ones debunked Religion TOP STORIES Hajj pilgrims perform rituals in soaring heat as Eid al-Adha celebrations begin Pope Leo XIV makes historic apology for Vatican's role in legitimizing slavery A White Sox pope and a Cubs mayor find common ground in a private Vatican meeting Newsletters World of Faith See All Newsletters Español SECTIONS Política de EEUU TOP STORIES Hegseth modera discurso sobre China, pero ratifica compromiso de EEUU con seguridad en el Pacífico Departamento de Justicia de EEUU abre investigación sobre columnista que acusó de abuso a Trump Gobierno de Trump demanda a 4 estados por negar matrículas encubiertas a agentes federales Most watched videos Standards Press Releases My Account AP News Code of Conduct World Iran war Russia-Ukraine war Español China Asia Pacific Latin America Europe Africa Middle East U.S. Immigration Weather Education Transportation Abortion LGBTQ+ Notable Deaths Politics 2026 Elections Election Results Election calendar White House Congress Supreme Court The latest AP-NORC polls Ground Game Sports NBA MLB NFL NHL Tennis Golf Soccer FIFA World Cup Auto Racing Entertainment Movies Fashion Television Celebrity Interviews Music Books Business Tariffs Inflation Financial Markets Financial Wellness Technology Science Space Animals The Ancient World Climate Medicine Newsletters Quizzes Games Fact Check Oddities Be Well Trending Better health At home Working well For the climate Eating well Photography Photo Essays AP Investigations Climate Indigenous peoples and climate Climate Questions Climate Migration India Focus Health Tech Artificial Intelligence Social Media Lifestyle Food & Recipes Gardening Fashion Homes Travel Pets Religion Español Política de EEUU Deportes Mundial de Fútbol FIFA Most watched videos Standards Press Releases My Account AP News Code of Conduct MORE World Iran war Russia-Ukraine war Español China Asia Pacific Latin America Europe Africa Middle East U.S. Immigration Weather Education Transportation Abortion LGBTQ+ Notable Deaths Politics 2026 Elections Election Results Election calendar White House Congress Supreme Court The latest AP-NORC polls Ground Game Sports NBA MLB NFL NHL Tennis Golf Soccer FIFA World Cup Auto Racing Entertainment Movies Fashion Television Celebrity Interviews Music Books Business Tariffs Inflation Financial Markets Financial Wellness Technology Science Space Animals The Ancient World Climate Medicine Newsletters Quizzes Games Fact Check Oddities Be Well Trending Better health At home Working well For the climate Eating well Photography Photo Essays AP Investigations Climate Indigenous peoples and climate Climate Questions Climate Migration India Focus Health Tech Artificial Intelligence Social Media Lifestyle Food & Recipes Gardening Fashion Homes Travel Pets Religion Español Política de EEUU Deportes Mundial de Fútbol FIFA Most watched videos Standards Press Releases My Account AP News Code of Conduct Sign in Search Query Submit Search Show Search Menu Submit Search World Iran war Russia-Ukraine war Español China Asia Pacific Latin America Europe Africa Middle East SECTIONS Iran war TOP STORIES Trump ponders whether to move forward with Iran deal but hasn't yet decided Israeli soldiers share rare accounts from Gaza, describing ongoing killings despite the ceasefire Rescuers free 4 men who had been trapped in a flooded Laos cave, search for 2 still missing Newsletters The Morning Wire The Afternoon Wire See All Newsletters U.S. Immigration Weather Education Transportation Abortion LGBTQ+ Notable Deaths SECTIONS Immigration TOP STORIES ICE officer wanted in the shooting of a man during the Minneapolis crackdown is arrested in Texas Bus hits cars in Virginia, killing 5 people and injuring 34, state police say 3 climbers who fell near treacherous pass on Alaska’s Mount McKinley are dead; 1 rescued Newsletters The Morning Wire See All Newsletters Test Your News I.Q. — take today’s quiz Politics 2026 Elections Election Results Election calendar White House Congress Supreme Court The latest AP-NORC polls Ground Game SECTIONS 2026 Elections TOP STORIES Judge says Kennedy Center board broke law putting Trump's name on building and blocks closure Judge temporarily blocks payouts from Trump's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' settlement fund Trump claims he's making food more affordable but his examples ignore the big picture Newsletters Ground Game See All Newsletters Sports NBA MLB NFL NHL Tennis Golf Soccer FIFA World Cup Auto Racing SECTIONS NBA TOP STORIES Giants' Abdul Carter felt the need to call out Jaxson Dart to show he is against Donald Trump Big 12 becoming first Power Four conference to have all members agree to CSC participation Mexico president Sheinbaum gifts her World Cup ticket to Indigenous athlete Newsletters AP Top 25 Poll Alerts The Sports Wire See All Newsletters Entertainment Movies Fashion Television Celebrity Interviews Music Books SECTIONS Movies TOP STORIES What to know about the artists backing out of the Trump-linked Freedom 250 concerts Oscar-winning 'Star Wars' editor Marcia Lucas dies at 80 What to watch for at the Tony Awards on Broadway's biggest night Newsletters AP Entertainment Wire See All Newsletters Business Tariffs Inflation Financial Markets Financial Wellness Technology SECTIONS Tariffs TOP STORIES America In Focus: Inflation gauge hits multiyear high as American consumer confidence slides Science Space Animals The Ancient World Climate Medicine SECTIONS Space TOP STORIES Blue Origin investigates rocket explosion as public is warned about possible wreckage washing ashore Newsletters Quizzes Games Fact Check Oddities TOP STORIES Lettuce introduce you to the live frog found in this grocery store salad bag An airport security dog sniffed out something really unusual in a passenger's luggage Viral phenomenon in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animals Happy is an Asian elephant. But is she also a person? Nipper, stay! The future of a beloved dog statue on a New York warehouse is up in the air Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, celebrates her 69th birthday at Berlin Zoo Be Well Trending Better health At home Working well For the climate Eating well SECTIONS Trending TOP STORIES You should be dancing, yeah. Moving to music offers all kinds of benefits as you age Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it Most new moms get the baby blues. But it could be something more serious: postpartum depression Photography Photo Essays SECTIONS Photo Essays TOP STORIES At the Kaaba during Hajj, a photographer captures sense of unity and devotion A photo captures President Trump and first lady awaiting British royals from rare White House angle How a low angle and fast lens shaped a photo of Jannik Sinner Newsletters The World in Pictures See All Newsletters AP Investigations Climate Indigenous peoples and climate Climate Questions Climate Migration India Focus SECTIONS Indigenous peoples and climate TOP STORIES Takeout trash is piling up at Michigan universities. There’s no easy fix Plastic bags don't go in the recycling bin. What should you do instead? Brazilian court orders restoration of Fordlandia, Henry Ford’s Amazon ghost town Health TOP STORIES US adult cigarette smoking rate hits another all-time low Trump tells agencies to align with study calling for narrower childhood vaccine recommendations WHO chief visits epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo as cases outpace response FDA staff blindsided by move allowing more e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches onto US market Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it Most new moms get the baby blues. But it could be something more serious: postpartum depression Tech Artificial Intelligence Social Media SECTIONS Artificial Intelligence TOP STORIES Humanoids dance and thread needles as Japanese robotics developers look to outdo Chinese AI helps a musician with Parkinson’s finish his new album The barista is human but an AI agent runs this experimental Swedish cafe Lifestyle Food & Recipes Gardening Fashion Homes Travel Pets SECTIONS Food & Recipes TOP STORIES In farm country, an old American pickup truck becomes more than a workhorse You should be dancing, yeah. Moving to music offers all kinds of benefits as you age Gardeners often hear about supposed hacks and quick fixes. Here are some common ones debunked Religion TOP STORIES Hajj pilgrims perform rituals in soaring heat as Eid al-Adha celebrations begin Pope Leo XIV makes historic apology for Vatican's role in legitimizing slavery A White Sox pope and a Cubs mayor find common ground in a private Vatican meeting Newsletters World of Faith See All Newsletters Español Política de EEUU Deportes Mundial de Fútbol FIFA SECTIONS Política de EEUU TOP STORIES Hegseth modera discurso sobre China, pero ratifica compromiso de EEUU con seguridad en el Pacífico Departamento de Justicia de EEUU abre investigación sobre columnista que acusó de abuso a Trump Gobierno de Trump demanda a 4 estados por negar matrículas encubiertas a agentes federales Most watched videos Standards Press Releases My Account AP News Code of Conduct The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. 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All Rights Reserved. Menu World SECTIONS Iran war TOP STORIES Trump ponders whether to move forward with Iran deal but hasn't yet decided Israeli soldiers share rare accounts from Gaza, describing ongoing killings despite the ceasefire Rescuers free 4 men who had been trapped in a flooded Laos cave, search for 2 still missing Newsletters The Morning Wire The Afternoon Wire See All Newsletters U.S. SECTIONS Immigration TOP STORIES ICE officer wanted in the shooting of a man during the Minneapolis crackdown is arrested in Texas Bus hits cars in Virginia, killing 5 people and injuring 34, state police say 3 climbers who fell near treacherous pass on Alaska’s Mount McKinley are dead; 1 rescued Newsletters The Morning Wire See All Newsletters Test Your News I.Q. — take today’s quiz Politics SECTIONS 2026 Elections TOP STORIES Judge says Kennedy Center board broke law putting Trump's name on building and blocks closure Judge temporarily blocks payouts from Trump's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' settlement fund Trump claims he's making food more affordable but his examples ignore the big picture Newsletters Ground Game See All Newsletters Sports SECTIONS NBA TOP STORIES Giants' Abdul Carter felt the need to call out Jaxson Dart to show he is against Donald Trump Big 12 becoming first Power Four conference to have all members agree to CSC participation Mexico president Sheinbaum gifts her World Cup ticket to Indigenous athlete Newsletters AP Top 25 Poll Alerts The Sports Wire See All Newsletters Entertainment SECTIONS Movies TOP STORIES What to know about the artists backing out of the Trump-linked Freedom 250 concerts Oscar-winning 'Star Wars' editor Marcia Lucas dies at 80 What to watch for at the Tony Awards on Broadway's biggest night Newsletters AP Entertainment Wire See All Newsletters Business SECTIONS Tariffs TOP STORIES America In Focus: Inflation gauge hits multiyear high as American consumer confidence slides Science SECTIONS Space TOP STORIES Blue Origin investigates rocket explosion as public is warned about possible wreckage washing ashore Newsletters Quizzes Games Fact Check Oddities TOP STORIES Lettuce introduce you to the live frog found in this grocery store salad bag An airport security dog sniffed out something really unusual in a passenger's luggage Viral phenomenon in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animals Happy is an Asian elephant. But is she also a person? Nipper, stay! The future of a beloved dog statue on a New York warehouse is up in the air Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, celebrates her 69th birthday at Berlin Zoo Be Well SECTIONS Trending TOP STORIES You should be dancing, yeah. Moving to music offers all kinds of benefits as you age Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it Most new moms get the baby blues. But it could be something more serious: postpartum depression Photography SECTIONS Photo Essays TOP STORIES At the Kaaba during Hajj, a photographer captures sense of unity and devotion A photo captures President Trump and first lady awaiting British royals from rare White House angle How a low angle and fast lens shaped a photo of Jannik Sinner Newsletters The World in Pictures See All Newsletters AP Investigations Climate SECTIONS Indigenous peoples and climate TOP STORIES Takeout trash is piling up at Michigan universities. There’s no easy fix Plastic bags don't go in the recycling bin. What should you do instead? Brazilian court orders restoration of Fordlandia, Henry Ford’s Amazon ghost town Health TOP STORIES US adult cigarette smoking rate hits another all-time low Trump tells agencies to align with study calling for narrower childhood vaccine recommendations WHO chief visits epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo as cases outpace response FDA staff blindsided by move allowing more e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches onto US market Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it Most new moms get the baby blues. But it could be something more serious: postpartum depression Tech SECTIONS Artificial Intelligence TOP STORIES Humanoids dance and thread needles as Japanese robotics developers look to outdo Chinese AI helps a musician with Parkinson’s finish his new album The barista is human but an AI agent runs this experimental Swedish cafe Lifestyle SECTIONS Food & Recipes TOP STORIES In farm country, an old American pickup truck becomes more than a workhorse You should be dancing, yeah. Moving to music offers all kinds of benefits as you age Gardeners often hear about supposed hacks and quick fixes. Here are some common ones debunked Religion TOP STORIES Hajj pilgrims perform rituals in soaring heat as Eid al-Adha celebrations begin Pope Leo XIV makes historic apology for Vatican's role in legitimizing slavery A White Sox pope and a Cubs mayor find common ground in a private Vatican meeting Newsletters World of Faith See All Newsletters Español SECTIONS Política de EEUU TOP STORIES Hegseth modera discurso sobre China, pero ratifica compromiso de EEUU con seguridad en el Pacífico Departamento de Justicia de EEUU abre investigación sobre columnista que acusó de abuso a Trump Gobierno de Trump demanda a 4 estados por negar matrículas encubiertas a agentes federales Most watched videos Standards Press Releases My Account AP News Code of Conduct World Iran war Russia-Ukraine war Español China Asia Pacific Latin America Europe Africa Middle East U.S. Immigration Weather Education Transportation Abortion LGBTQ+ Notable Deaths Politics 2026 Elections Election Results Election calendar White House Congress Supreme Court The latest AP-NORC polls Ground Game Sports NBA MLB NFL NHL Tennis Golf Soccer FIFA World Cup Auto Racing Entertainment Movies Fashion Television Celebrity Interviews Music Books Business Tariffs Inflation Financial Markets Financial Wellness Technology Science Space Animals The Ancient World Climate Medicine Newsletters Quizzes Games Fact Check Oddities Be Well Trending Better health At home Working well For the climate Eating well Photography Photo Essays AP Investigations Climate Indigenous peoples and climate Climate Questions Climate Migration India Focus Health Tech Artificial Intelligence Social Media Lifestyle Food & Recipes Gardening Fashion Homes Travel Pets Religion Español Política de EEUU Deportes Mundial de Fútbol FIFA Most watched videos Standards Press Releases My Account AP News Code of Conduct MORE World Iran war Russia-Ukraine war Español China Asia Pacific Latin America Europe Africa Middle East U.S. Immigration Weather Education Transportation Abortion LGBTQ+ Notable Deaths Politics 2026 Elections Election Results Election calendar White House Congress Supreme Court The latest AP-NORC polls Ground Game Sports NBA MLB NFL NHL Tennis Golf Soccer FIFA World Cup Auto Racing Entertainment Movies Fashion Television Celebrity Interviews Music Books Business Tariffs Inflation Financial Markets Financial Wellness Technology Science Space Animals The Ancient World Climate Medicine Newsletters Quizzes Games Fact Check Oddities Be Well Trending Better health At home Working well For the climate Eating well Photography Photo Essays AP Investigations Climate Indigenous peoples and climate Climate Questions Climate Migration India Focus Health Tech Artificial Intelligence Social Media Lifestyle Food & Recipes Gardening Fashion Homes Travel Pets Religion Español Política de EEUU Deportes Mundial de Fútbol FIFA Most watched videos Standards Press Releases My Account AP News Code of Conduct Sign in Search Query Submit Search Show Search Menu Submit Search World Iran war Russia-Ukraine war Español China Asia Pacific Latin America Europe Africa Middle East SECTIONS Iran war TOP STORIES Trump ponders whether to move forward with Iran deal but hasn't yet decided Israeli soldiers share rare accounts from Gaza, describing ongoing killings despite the ceasefire Rescuers free 4 men who had been trapped in a flooded Laos cave, search for 2 still missing Newsletters The Morning Wire The Afternoon Wire See All Newsletters U.S. Immigration Weather Education Transportation Abortion LGBTQ+ Notable Deaths SECTIONS Immigration TOP STORIES ICE officer wanted in the shooting of a man during the Minneapolis crackdown is arrested in Texas Bus hits cars in Virginia, killing 5 people and injuring 34, state police say 3 climbers who fell near treacherous pass on Alaska’s Mount McKinley are dead; 1 rescued Newsletters The Morning Wire See All Newsletters Test Your News I.Q. — take today’s quiz Politics 2026 Elections Election Results Election calendar White House Congress Supreme Court The latest AP-NORC polls Ground Game SECTIONS 2026 Elections TOP STORIES Judge says Kennedy Center board broke law putting Trump's name on building and blocks closure Judge temporarily blocks payouts from Trump's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' settlement fund Trump claims he's making food more affordable but his examples ignore the big picture Newsletters Ground Game See All Newsletters Sports NBA MLB NFL NHL Tennis Golf Soccer FIFA World Cup Auto Racing SECTIONS NBA TOP STORIES Giants' Abdul Carter felt the need to call out Jaxson Dart to show he is against Donald Trump Big 12 becoming first Power Four conference to have all members agree to CSC participation Mexico president Sheinbaum gifts her World Cup ticket to Indigenous athlete Newsletters AP Top 25 Poll Alerts The Sports Wire See All Newsletters Entertainment Movies Fashion Television Celebrity Interviews Music Books SECTIONS Movies TOP STORIES What to know about the artists backing out of the Trump-linked Freedom 250 concerts Oscar-winning 'Star Wars' editor Marcia Lucas dies at 80 What to watch for at the Tony Awards on Broadway's biggest night Newsletters AP Entertainment Wire See All Newsletters Business Tariffs Inflation Financial Markets Financial Wellness Technology SECTIONS Tariffs TOP STORIES America In Focus: Inflation gauge hits multiyear high as American consumer confidence slides Science Space Animals The Ancient World Climate Medicine SECTIONS Space TOP STORIES Blue Origin investigates rocket explosion as public is warned about possible wreckage washing ashore Newsletters Quizzes Games Fact Check Oddities TOP STORIES Lettuce introduce you to the live frog found in this grocery store salad bag An airport security dog sniffed out something really unusual in a passenger's luggage Viral phenomenon in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animals Happy is an Asian elephant. But is she also a person? Nipper, stay! The future of a beloved dog statue on a New York warehouse is up in the air Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, celebrates her 69th birthday at Berlin Zoo Be Well Trending Better health At home Working well For the climate Eating well SECTIONS Trending TOP STORIES You should be dancing, yeah. Moving to music offers all kinds of benefits as you age Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it Most new moms get the baby blues. But it could be something more serious: postpartum depression Photography Photo Essays SECTIONS Photo Essays TOP STORIES At the Kaaba during Hajj, a photographer captures sense of unity and devotion A photo captures President Trump and first lady awaiting British royals from rare White House angle How a low angle and fast lens shaped a photo of Jannik Sinner Newsletters The World in Pictures See All Newsletters AP Investigations Climate Indigenous peoples and climate Climate Questions Climate Migration India Focus SECTIONS Indigenous peoples and climate TOP STORIES Takeout trash is piling up at Michigan universities. There’s no easy fix Plastic bags don't go in the recycling bin. What should you do instead? Brazilian court orders restoration of Fordlandia, Henry Ford’s Amazon ghost town Health TOP STORIES US adult cigarette smoking rate hits another all-time low Trump tells agencies to align with study calling for narrower childhood vaccine recommendations WHO chief visits epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo as cases outpace response FDA staff blindsided by move allowing more e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches onto US market Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it Most new moms get the baby blues. But it could be something more serious: postpartum depression Tech Artificial Intelligence Social Media SECTIONS Artificial Intelligence TOP STORIES Humanoids dance and thread needles as Japanese robotics developers look to outdo Chinese AI helps a musician with Parkinson’s finish his new album The barista is human but an AI agent runs this experimental Swedish cafe Lifestyle Food & Recipes Gardening Fashion Homes Travel Pets SECTIONS Food & Recipes TOP STORIES In farm country, an old American pickup truck becomes more than a workhorse You should be dancing, yeah. Moving to music offers all kinds of benefits as you age Gardeners often hear about supposed hacks and quick fixes. Here are some common ones debunked Religion TOP STORIES Hajj pilgrims perform rituals in soaring heat as Eid al-Adha celebrations begin Pope Leo XIV makes historic apology for Vatican's role in legitimizing slavery A White Sox pope and a Cubs mayor find common ground in a private Vatican meeting Newsletters World of Faith See All Newsletters Español Política de EEUU Deportes Mundial de Fútbol FIFA SECTIONS Política de EEUU TOP STORIES Hegseth modera discurso sobre China, pero ratifica compromiso de EEUU con seguridad en el Pacífico Departamento de Justicia de EEUU abre investigación sobre columnista que acusó de abuso a Trump Gobierno de Trump demanda a 4 estados por negar matrículas encubiertas a agentes federales Most watched videos Standards Press Releases My Account AP News Code of Conduct The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day. twitter instagram facebook From AP News About Contact Us Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Settings Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information Limit Use and Disclosure of Sensitive Personal Information CA Notice of Collection The Associated Press ap.org Careers Advertise with us AP News Values and Principles AP’s Role in Elections AP Leads AP Definitive Source Blog AP Images Spotlight Blog AP Stylebook AP News Code of Conduct From AP News About Contact Us Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Settings Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information Limit Use and Disclosure of Sensitive Personal Information CA Notice of Collection The Associated Press ap.org Careers Advertise with us AP News Values and Principles AP’s Role in Elections AP Leads AP Definitive Source Blog AP Images Spotlight Blog AP Stylebook AP News Code of Conduct SECTIONS ap.org Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Lifestyle Gardeners often hear about supposed hacks and quick fixes. Here are some common ones debunked
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Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Copy Print Email X Bluesky 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’ weedkillerHousehold 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. How to mulch your garden beds without harming plants 3 MIN READ Microgardening means getting a surprisingly big harvest from a windowsill or balcony garden 2 MIN READ Here’s how to grow your own food with less water, even in a drought 5 MIN READ Bad advice: Apply wound paint to seal cuts on pruned tree limbsTrees compartmentalize their wounds, so sealants aren’t generally necessary. In addition, the products can trap moisture and disease-causing pathogens and encourage decay, defeating their stated purpose while interfering with the tree’s natural healing process. Light sealants should be applied only to elm or oak trees that are pruned or injured during the growing season to discourage Dutch elm disease and oak wilt, respectively. Sealants aren’t necessary when pruning these trees at the recommended (dormant) time of year.Instead: Be sure to use proper pruning techniques, prune only at the appropriate time of year and allow wounds to heal on their own. Read More Bad advice: Till garden beds every year to loosen the soilSure, it makes the garden look nice and neat, but over-tilling soil destroys beneficial microbes, kills earthworms, disrupts mycorrhizal fungi networks, damages soil structure, increases erosion and moves buried weed seeds to the surface, where conditions are perfect for them to sprout. The practice can also interfere with the soil’s moisture-holding capacity.Instead: In average conditions, spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost over garden beds and let it work into the soil over time.To create new beds, cover the area with thick layers of newspaper or corrugated cardboard in the fall, then top it with a few inches of mulch or compost, and allow it to smother grass and weeds over the winter and into spring. If you didn’t plan ahead, lay cardboard now, then cut holes and plant right through it. Be sure to apply mulch afterward.If you must turn the soil to break up compaction in your garden, do so gently using a broadfork or long-handled garden fork. Use the same tools to gently work in amendments like compost. Bad advice: Water plants lightly every dayGiving houseplants, garden plants, potted outdoor plants or the lawn a sprinkle every day moistens the soil surface only on its surface instead of at root-depth, where it’s needed. Lightly watered plant roots remain at the top, near their water supply, instead of growing downward and outward.Instead: Water more deeply and less frequently to encourage a larger root system that will withstand drought by accessing farther moisture sources from the surrounding area. Bad advice: Use landscape fabric under garden beds to discourage weedsBarrier fabrics fail to stop weeds long-term, create root-tangled messes, restrict the flow of water and oxygen, and introduce microplastics into the soil as they degrade.Instead: Apply a 2-to-4-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark, wood chips or straw, over the soil, pushing it away from trunks and stems. Refresh it as it breaks down. It will regulate soil temperature and moisture, nourish the soil as it decomposes and support the soil life that supports your plants Exception: Landscape fabric can be helpful under gravel or stone paths, or under walkways, where it creates a barrier between the hardscape and the soil below. ___Jessica Damiano writes regular gardening columns for The Associated Press. She publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. Sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice.___For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening. Bondi refuses to answer lawmakers’ questions about Trump’s involvement in Epstein files release 5 MIN READ 908 Judge says Kennedy Center board broke law putting Trump’s name on building and blocks closure 5 MIN READ 668 Trump says he’ll back away from Kennedy Center renovation after judge orders his name removed Bruce Springsteen calls out the White House and announces a protest festival 2 MIN READ 997 With a stalemate in Ukraine and discontent at home, Putin seems ready to escalate his war 6 MIN READ 135 The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day. 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Gardeners often encounter numerous misconceptions and "hacks" regarding gardening that can inadvertently harm their plants and lead to unnecessary financial expenditure. The provided text outlines several common myths that are debunked, offering evidence-based alternatives for effective cultivation. One widely believed practice is using household vinegar as a weedkiller; this method only acts as a contact herbicide that burns the leaves without killing the roots, allowing weeds to regrow. Instead of this, the text advises manual weeding from garden beds followed by applying three to four inches of organic mulch to suppress further weed growth, as weeds that germinate in the mulch are easily pulled up. For managing small weeds in cracks and crevices between paving stones, applying baking soda on a dry, windless day is suggested, and following this, filling the cracks with sand or sealant is recommended to prevent recurrence. Other effective methods for small weed removal include using specialized crevice weeding tools or targeted propane flame tools, with all methods requiring subsequent filling of the gaps with sand or sealant to prevent regrowth. Another misconception addressed is the necessity of applying wound paint to seal cuts on pruned tree limbs. The text explains that trees naturally compartmentalize their wounds, meaning sealants are generally unnecessary. Furthermore, sealants can trap moisture and disease-causing pathogens, potentially encouraging decay and counteracting the tree's natural healing process. Sealants are only indicated for specific trees like elm or oak if pruning or injury occurs during the growing season to mitigate issues like Dutch elm disease or oak wilt; they are not required when pruning during the recommended dormant period. The practice of routinely tilling garden beds every year is strongly discouraged. Over-tilling is detrimental as it destroys beneficial soil microbes, eliminates earthworms, disrupts mycorrhizal fungi networks, damages soil structure, increases erosion, and brings buried weed seeds to the surface, creating ideal conditions for germination. This process also impairs the soil's capacity to retain moisture. A recommended alternative for soil management involves spreading a two to three inch layer of compost over garden beds, allowing it to integrate into the soil over time. To prepare for new garden beds, covering areas with thick layers of newspaper or corrugated cardboard in the fall, followed by a few inches of mulch or compost, allows grass and weeds to be smothered over the winter and spring. If soil turning is absolutely necessary for compaction relief, gentle tools such as a broadfork or long-handled garden fork should be used, applying amendments like compost simultaneously to ensure soil health. Regarding watering practices, daily light sprinkling is ineffective because it only moistens the soil surface rather than reaching the necessary root depth. This leaves plant roots near their water supply instead of encouraging growth downward and outward. The correct approach is to water more deeply but less frequently, which encourages plants to develop extensive root systems capable of accessing moisture from surrounding areas, thus increasing their resilience against drought. Finally, the use of landscape fabric under garden beds is cautioned against, as these barriers fail to stop weeds long-term, create root-tangled issues, restrict water and oxygen flow, and can introduce microplastics into the soil as they degrade. Organic mulch, such as shredded bark, wood chips, or straw, is advised instead, as it regulates soil temperature and moisture, nourishes the soil through decomposition, and supports the beneficial soil life essential for plant health. Landscape fabric is only suggested as a barrier under gravel or stone paths or walkways, where it serves to separate the hardscape from the soil beneath. |