RICH IN NUTRIENTS: Pop banana peels in the compost bin rather than brewing a liquor (Image: MaskaRad/Getty)
The internet is full of ideas, advice and genius hacks for gardeners, but it’s worth remembering that they don’t always come from experts. Some of the suggested ideas could actually do more harm than good, or simply be a waste of time.
Take banana peel fertiliser tea. Steeping banana peels in water is a popular hack, with thousands of online videos claiming it’s the perfect way to introduce potassium to your soil. But there’s scant evidence that any potassium – or any other nutrients – are released into the water, according to one garden professional.
To make matters worse, it may even attract pests, due to the fruit’s sugar content. Rather than making banana peel tea, you’re better off adding the peels to your compost heap, says Robin Antill, from 1st Choice Leisure Buildings.
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They will decompose slowly, adding fibre, potassium and other nutrients to the compost, rather than providing a quick (and ineffective) fix. Robin says there are four other gardening hacks to avoid and has suggested what to do instead.
1. Using vinegar as a weed killer
The acetic acid in vinegar burns foliage, which means it’s often touted as an easy way to kill weeds. However, it only affects the leaves it touches, rather than killing the roots, which means the weeds will quickly sprout again. It can also damage nearby plants, and alter the pH of the soil, causing it to be less fertile and making it much harder for the plants you do want.
What to do instead: Pull out weeds by hand and focus on getting the roots out completely. Weeds thrive in bare soil, so planting ground-covering plants means there will be less space and light available to encourage weed growth.
2. Sprinkling coffee grounds on soil
Coffee grounds are often hailed as a miracle fertiliser, providing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients. But fresh coffee grounds are acidic and can interfere with the levels of nitrogen in the soil. Too thick a layer of grounds can also create a water-resistant barrier and impact plant growth.
What to do instead: Add coffee grounds to the compost bin and allow them to decompose. Balanced by ‘browns’, like cardboard and dry leaves, the nitrogen-rich ‘green’ material can help neutralise overly alkaline compost, as well as attract worms and microbes to speed up decomposition.
3. Gravel at the bottom of plant pots
Lining the bottom of plant pots with gravel is often recommended to aid drainage – and works when done carefully – but it can actually have the opposite effect if too much gravel is used. Rather than allowing the water to drain to the bottom of the pot, it accumulates above the gravel, and the roots sit in water for longer, increasing the risk of fungal diseases and root rot.
What to do instead: Even with plant pots that have drainage holes, water can still gather at the bottom and not drain completely. Incorporate materials into the compost that allow water to circulate freely throughout the pot. For example, horticultural grit and sharp sand improves structure, perlite is good for improving airflow around roots, and vermiculite can help to balance moisture while preventing waterlogging.
4. Sealing sheds to prevent dampness
Many suggest sealing your shed and garden rooms to prevent dampness, by filling all cracks and sealing gaps around the doors. While it’s vital to monitor leaks in the roof and walls, failing to provide adequate ventilation can trap condensation inside, leading to mould and rust.
What to do instead: You might think that keeping air out will keep the interior dry, but you need airflow. Strike a balance between ventilation and weatherproofing by repairing leaks, but also install small air vents so humid air can escape when it’s not dry enough to leave the door open.
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