It doesn’t must face south! 10 of the largest backyard myths debunked | Gardens

South-facing gardens are greatest

In our warming local weather, that blazing, south-facing backyard might now appear much less interesting than cooler, moisture-retaining shade. Woodland planting is lush and architectural, with many vegetation changing into drought-tolerant when established. Strive Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) and Polypodium cambricum (creeping fern) alongside Eurybia divaricata (white wooden aster), Brunnera macrophylla (siberian bugloss), Tiarella cordifolia (foam flower) and Viburnum tinus (French white shrub). Or for extra color, Geranium psilostemon (Armenian cranesbill) and Astrantia main ‘Ruby Star’.

Pampas grass is for swingers

Regardless of a hearsay that it signifies a saucy family, it’s a complete fable. It was possible linked to the plant’s reputation among the many center courses within the Nineteen Seventies. So fill your backyard with it, protected within the data nobody will come knocking (there are many apps for that). Cortaderia richardii is a sublime species.

You’ll be able to ignore cacti

Cacti can survive naturally for months with out water, however ignore them at your peril. Like all vegetation, they want water in summer season, and reply greatest with fertiliser diluted at half energy once they’re rising. What they hate is soggy compost. The opposite cactus killer is inadequate daylight: when the label says direct daylight, it means it.

By no means water when the solar’s out

This comes from the precept that water evaporates when the solar is warmest, which is true. Many vegetation additionally wilt in scorching solar as a defence mechanism, giving the impression that soil is dry when it won’t be. It’s higher, then, to water within the morning or night. However you probably have no alternative, water within the solar slightly than under no circumstances, however water deeply, so it percolates all the way down to the roots.

Weeds are unhealthy

Though some weeds can influence the expansion of edible crops in the event that they’re allowed to swamp them, they’re simply wild vegetation that actually like your backyard’s circumstances. Many are stunning, simple to develop and nice for wildlife, equivalent to Centaurea nigra (knapweed), Leucanthemum vulgare (ox-eye daisy) and Achillea millefolium (widespread yarrow). All have wonderful drought resilience. Study what these vegetation appear like and it’s possible you’ll spot seedlings in your backyard, or you could possibly gather a pinch. Alternatively, purchase wildflower seeds or plug vegetation from a wild plant to scatter (wildflower.co.uk or naturescape.co.uk).

Lawns are low upkeep

Garden grass is among the highest-maintenance vegetation you possibly can develop – nothing else wants reducing as typically via spring and summer season. Cut back your workload by letting it develop a bit longer with fewer cuts, and go away the weeds for bugs. When you don’t use your garden, change it with a two-cut-a-year-meadow or low-maintenance decorative planting.

Rising in pots is less complicated than the bottom

Pots and containers can really feel extra manageable, significantly in the case of controlling weeds, however they’re extra labour intensive. An absence of root area means common fertilising, a lot of watering and lugging compost for repotting. Crops within the floor have none of those issues. If weeding feels laborious, plant extra densely to make sure there isn’t any naked soil by which weeds can germinate (or see above).

Raised beds are important for veg

Raised beds might look good however they’re not often wanted. The sides are an excellent residence for slugs, whereas the raised soil degree will dry out sooner. Until you want the peak for mobility causes or to boost vegetation from water-logged soil, go together with beds at floor degree.

Soapy water eliminates aphids

Whereas soapy water can suffocate aphids by blocking their openings for respiratory, getting the combo proper is troublesome as a result of all merchandise range – and the chemical substances might have an effect on plant development. It’s higher to rub aphids off with fingers, spray off with a hose or go away your houseplants exterior for hoverflies and ladybirds to eat them.

Winter is a quiet time

Many vegetation is likely to be taking a nap however undesirable perennial weeds nonetheless develop and want coping with. Skinny deciduous shrubs would possibly want pruning or thinning to enhance form, as do apple and pear timber to encourage stronger fruiting. Order seeds and compost in winter to lighten the workload in busy spring.

Inform us about backyard myths you’ve debunked within the feedback under