Journal of NACAA

Garden Myth Busting for Extension Educators: Reviewing the Literature on Landscape Trees

ISSN 2158-9429

Volume 11, Issue 2 - December 2018

Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott

Abstract

Horticultural myths, found extensively in print and online resources, are passed along by uninformed gardeners, nursery staff, and landscape professionals. Occasionally myths are so compelling that they make their way into Extension publications, used by Master Gardeners as educational resources. In this article we deconstruct seven widespread gardening myths by way of reviewing research-based literature. We also provide scientifically sound alternatives to these gardening practices and products. Our hope is to arm Extension educators with the educational resources necessary to battle misinformation that ranges from the merely useless to that which is actively damaging to soils, plants, and the surrounding environment.