Garden season is upon us (almost) and to get myself going I read “The Truth about Garden Remedies: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why” by Jeff Gillman. I have to admit that this book might actually have been written for me. It takes all the old wives tales and “garden guru” remedies and actually explains the science behind why they may or may not work.
The book is broken down into sections and covers homemade fertilizers & nutrient remedies, herbicides, pesticides and “gimmicks.” Gillman explains the theory behind why each remedy is thought to work, then goes into the science behind what actually happens.
A few highlights:
- Coffee grounds should be composted, not sprinkled on your plants.
- Beer actually does attract slugs.
- Plants are susceptible to sound.
- Compost is really one of the best soil amendments.
- Mulching is the best natural weed preventative.
- Soapy water intended to deter pests can actually cause leaf deterioration.
- Crushed egg shells are not much of a slug deterrent, but diatomaceous earth is.
- Adding gravel to the bottom of a planter actually worsens the drainage.
But… I didn’t tell you why. You’ll just have to read the book to find out!
The rhododendrons perked right up after I put the coffee grounds around the base of them. But I will defer to science.
You are lucky.
1. Coffee grounds are highly acidic, which while it is good for rhoddys, you could actually over acidify your soils (especially where you live surrounded by pines.)
2. Coffee grounds are high in N, also could be what originally boosted your rhoddy, but you risk a mold bloom because of the high N and minimal microbial activity (since the grounds are boiled.)
3. At the beginning of the decomposition cycle, coffee grounds actually give off a chemical that inhibits plant growth. This could inhibit weeds, but also stunt your plant. (Hahaha – my mom was right when she said that coffee stunts your growth!)
So in reality, grounds are still best composted. You can see some beneficial results or disaster. See! you got me to explain the science, when I intended to let people just read the book! hehehe
This looks like a nifty resource. I’m especially curious about the sound sensitivity — wondering if the close proximity of my small vegetable garden to my rather noisy neighbors (music and partying) is bothering my plants. (It bothers me…) And, why does gravel worsen drainage? I guess I’ll have to find a copy of this book!
Besides – it is better to drink the beer rather than waste it on garden pests!!!