Every gardener’s heard them — those little nuggets of ‘wisdom’ passed down like secret spells: watering in the sun scorches leaves and talking to your plants makes them grow faster. But how much of this green-fingered wisdom actually holds up to science? We quizzed Dr Jonathan Kirby, garden expert at Roxil, to help debunk five common garden myths.
Garden myth #1• Regular pressure washing is the best way to keep patios, decking and wooden garden structures spotless
When it comes to cleaning patios or decking, it’s best to go easy with the pressure washer, warns Dr Jonathan Kirby. While it may feel satisfying to blast away dirt and grime, this approach won’t completely remove growths such as black spot lichen and, if overused, can even cause damage to outdoor surfaces.
‘You could risk long-term problems such as surface erosion, weak points in slabs and wood and damaged mortar joints. The surfaces are also more likely to suffer from biological and weed growth issues in the future,’ he says.
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Instead, Dr Kirby recommends weeding first and then applying a patio cleaner for 24 hours, such as Roxil Wood & Patio Cleaner. ‘Use a wet, stiff brush to loosen any stubborn patches of mould, algae and dirt, before washing away the debris. It’s worth waterproofing the surface, too, as weeds and biological growth need moisture to grow. Create a waterproof barrier with Roxil Patio Cream, to keep it dry and prevent growth.’
John keeble//Getty Images
Garden myth #2• Moss and algae are harmless: just paint over them
Decking looking a little green? It’s likely due to biological growth such as algae, moss or lichen. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also lead to serious issues like wood rot, which makes the wood brittle and break. According to Dr Kirby, painting over the affected area won’t solve the problem. In fact, by trapping moisture, algae and lichen will thrive.
‘Treat the wood with a biocidal cleaner to get rid of any biological growth,’ he says. Once clean and dry, apply a wood stain preserver to give long-lasting protection against UV damage and wood rot.
Roxil Wood Preserver
Garden myth #3• Copper tape will sort your garden slugs
While many gardeners swear by the benefits of copper tape, the actual evidence is mixed. A study by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 2023 found no reduction in damage to gardens. The answer, says Dr Kirby, should be a more environmentally-friendly approach.
‘Making your garden hostile to slugs is a better idea. Water seedlings in the morning to keep it drier and less tempting for slugs at night and rake fallen leaves as soon as they fall,’ he says. ‘If you need extra help, use ferric-phosphate based slug pellets like NOPE! Slug Killer Pellets as a targeted treatment.’
Garden myth #4• All wood treatments are the same: any will do!
Not so, according to Dr Kirby, who is keen to point out that using the wrong product can actually damage outdoor wooden surfaces. ‘Harsh cleaners, especially those containing bleach or acid, can erode wood, harm surrounding plants, and even pose risks to pets and skin,’ he warns.
His approach is to choose a gentle and non-destructive treatment that cleans effectively without causing harm. ‘Not all wood cleaners offer long-term protection from future weathering or decay,’ he says. ‘So, for lasting results, always follow up with a protective waterproofing sealer once the surface is clean and dry.’
Kirill Rudenko//Getty Images
Garden myth #5• Bleach is the best way to clean algae from stone
Definitely one to avoid. In fact harsh cleaners like bleach can discolour stones and harm surrounding plants. Instead, Dr Kirby recommends a much gentler approach.
‘Using biodegradable cleaners (look for biocide or eco-safe labels) with a stiff brush, helps avoid long-term surface damage,’ he reveals. ‘Ensure you reduce future growth by looking to improve water repellency and drainage.’
Try using a specialist wood and patio cleaner, followed by a protective treatment to create a clean, breathable and invisible barrier that helps surfaces stay drier.
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Vikki is the Senior News and Features Writer at House Beautiful UK. She writes on sustainability issues and enjoys interviewing gardening and wildlife/eco experts for the magazine’s regular profile feature. Vikki has over twenty years journalism experience writing for various titles including Woman and Home, Good Homes, Ideal Home, The English Home as well as features for The Sunday Times Style magazine and The Telegraph newspaper. After a BA Honours degree in English and History from the Univeristy of Surrey, she gained a postgraduate degree in magazine journalism at Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Culture.
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