Garden Adages/Myths

We've all been told things since we were kids. You know, such as don't walk with the pointed end of scissors sticking out or don't go outside barefoot because you'll step on glass. And so it comes to gardening adages.

Most home gardeners have heard these adages since we were kids, too. But are they true? Let's examine a few to see.

Watering on a sunny day will burn plant leaves. You know the routine: don't hit leaves with overhead water on a hot day or else the leaves will "burn" and turn brown. The fact of the matter is, any holes "burned" in leaves are due to fungal or bacteria diseases rather than the method in which you water. However, a good reason not to water during the heat of the day is that some of the moisture you apply will be lost more quickly due to evaporation or wind. Of course, you should water promptly whenever you see plants in distress. But the ideal time is in the morning when there's less heat and wind, and higher water pressure. Plus, any water that does sit on leaves or flowers will quickly evaporate, lessening the chance of fungal or bacteria diseases.

Unravel or loosen the roots of potted specimens before planting. It's been found that this can actually harm plants and result in additional transplant shock. Instead,simply plant your specimen -- whether it's come out of a can, a pot or plastic six pack -- and place it in your planting hole. Don't worry about those white roots that might be wrapped tightly around the root ball. They will unravel all on their own once the specimen is planted.

When pruning, always cut tree branches flush to the trunk and then coat with pruning tar. U.S. Forest Service worker Alex Shigo debunked the first myth more than 20 years ago, but gardening adages die hard. A truly flush pruning cut can do serious damage to a tree. You should leave the "branch collar," a swelling or shoulder around the base of each cut limb. Shigo discovered that this collar has the ability to produce chemical changes in the area behind the cut that preserves tissue and confines decay to a small area, preventing it from moving to the core of the wood. As for coating pruning cuts with pruning tar, it has been found that this is not necessary. Cuts, even those larger than a couple inches in diameter, will heal all on their own.

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