I used to be a Biology teacher. I'm retired and have been a Master Composter for about seven years. Gardening is an area that does not involve the scientific approach. Garden advice has been passed down from one person to antoehr, using anecdotal evidence and beliefs never checked.
Someone recommended I check out a website called https://www.gardenmyths.com/. Here was a man who double checked everything. He ran tests on almost everything we've learned as gardeners. A sampling of things he has shown not to be true:"
- Rhubarb leaves are poisonous.
- Blossom end rot is a problem with Calcium.
- Worm castings are composted.
- You need to be careful in your brown/green ratio.
- Beer can drown slugs. Copper wie will repel them
- You need innoculants in the garden and compost starter\
- Don;t put hunan or pet feces in the compost.
- Dont' put diseased plants in the compost
- Foliar feeding is good
- Peat Moss or pine needles will acidify the soil.
- Marigolds repel pests
- Plants clean indoor air
- Compost tea or pond water is good for plants
I recommend that everyone purchase his book on composting and to read 27 myths about composting. (https://www.gardenmyths.com/composting-myths/#more-6802P The books cost money, but everything else is free,.
by A_Kinsey_6