Why Science? Because Old Wives' Tales and Other Gardening Myths Often Don't Stand up to Scrutiny!
Recently on Facebook I’ve seen the same post several times. It’s about mixing up a homemade weed killer from vinegar, epsom salts and dish soap.
While I often observe the mantra of “keep scrolling” when on Facebook I don’t comment on lots of posts, but I’ve started commenting on this one. Why? Because it’s information that should be disputed.
To research it I turned to one of my favorite authors, Dr. Jeff Gillman who teaches in the Department of Horticulture Technology at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can also read his work in Fine Gardening or one of his many books (one of my favorites is listed below.)
In his book The Truth About Garden Remedies Gillman covers the subject of vinegar used as a soil amendment, an insecticide, a fungicide and an herbicide. He also talks about salt as an herbicide and epsom salts as a fertilizer and as a soil amendment.
Gillman’s science-based approach to what remedies work is critical for any serious gardener. It answers the question of whether a purported garden remedy works or is potential hazardous. Before you follow advice from a non-scientist, this is a great place to find out if there is any science behind it or if it’s a myth that continues to be spread because no one challenges it. And, Gillman can save you money because you won’t be wasting it on ingredients that don’t work or — worse yet — do damage to your garden.
Another good resource to check out for the Internet spread “homemade weed killer” is this article from the University of Minnesota Extension. It very carefully lays out the basics of why epsom salts and vinegar have limited uses in the garden. Vinegar’s best use is probably in a salad dressing for the greens you grow and epsom salts best use may be to help relieve any aches you have after a day in the garden.
If you’re interested in learning more about the accuracy and inaccuracies of garden remedies that are passed down verbally or online I encourage you to look for Gillman’s book. You can contact your local independent bookseller or find it on Amazon by following the Buy on Amazon button below the visual of the book’s cover. If you do buy this book by following the link in this article, I may receive a commission.
Note: I'm a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
Creative and targeted programs that make an impact are the hallmark of experienced marketing professional Ruth Steele Walker. Focusing on results that improve the bottom line, she accelerates projects from conception to implementation with a mastery of writing, production, placement, budgeting and coordination.
During more than 25 years with Foremost Corporation of America, the nation's leading insurer of manufactured housing and recreational vehicles, Walker consistently produced effective communications programs that resulted in increased net written premium. Her expertise in crisis communications was a vital part of Foremost's exemplary customer service in the wake of hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. Walker specializes in communications targeting the 50+ demographic, with an emphasis in communications for the 65+ segment.
Among other achievements, Walker developed communications for the merger of Foremost and Farmers Insurance, addressing audiences including customers, employees, trade and consumer media. For Foremost's 50th anniversary, she created a celebration program of internal and external promotions, special events, recognition and a 162-page commemorative book.
Earlier in her career, Walker was a newspaper reporter, a TV and radio producer, and worked in national sales and traffic at network TV affiliates. Walker earned a BA in journalism from Michigan State University and an MS in communications from Grand Valley State University.
She and her husband Scott operate a small vineyard in Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, producing premium vinifera wine grapes. The vineyard has been the largest local supplier for Suttons Bay wine label L. Mawby, recently named one of the world's top producers of sparkling wines.
