I love how cultural and mythical gardening can be. Sure, it is also scientific, and it’s important to understand nutrient requirements and how plants benefit each other when planted in close proximity. But it’s the stories and conversations that really pull me in. Gardening is a very old hobby, with tips and techniques that get passed down from generation to generation. It’s also quite regional, with the climate and environment determining how people garden in that place. And while the basic foundations of gardening remain the same across the decades and regions, there are many intricacies that make gardens unique to a group of people. Combine all of these aspects together, and you have something that is the perfect setting for hacks and tips to be shared with anyone willing (or unwilling to listen).

If you ask 5 people the perfect date to plant peppers or the best way to deal with a specific pest, you may get 5 different answers. It’s unlikely that any of the answers are completely wrong, just that the answer is the result of a person’s background and experiences.

I’ve always enjoyed learning about lore and mythology. Magz and I both studied history in college, and history is full of mythology. It’s important to study because it helps us to better understand cultures. I also love baseball. It’s my favorite sport. It’s full of tall tales and stories that aren’t necessarily 100 percent accurate. Take Babe Ruth “calling his shot” in the 1932 World Series. Did he point before hitting the home run? Absolutely. Was he actually calling his shot, though? Probably not, but it makes a great story.

Gardening is like that. People will tell stories and offer advice that has been passed down through the decades. It often has to do with unique ways to successfully garden that don’t adhere to mainstream versions of doing things. I’m starting a series where I will test some of the popular gardening hacks and myths that I’ve encountered to see if they work. I’m unsure how long this series will be, but I’m excited to see where it takes me. This idea came to me after my dad offered a hack for deterring deer from getting into our garden. That will be the first hack that I tackle. Stay tuned.

Are there any gardening hacks and myths that you’ve been told and find interesting? Are there any hacks that you’ve tried and had success with? I’d love to hear what they are.