There is no doubt that interest in gardening and landscaping has grown over the past several years. Along with that increase has come a flood of gardening advice online. Years ago, gardeners often relied on trusted books, local experts, or Extension resources for answers. Today, information spreads quickly through social media, blogs, videos, and online posts, but is it all worth listening to?
Some of that information is helpful and research-based. Other advice falls into the “too good to be true” category. As the saying goes, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet.
One of the biggest challenges with online gardening information is figuring out where it came from. Sometimes advice is based on old gardening myths passed from person to person. Other times, information comes from limited personal experience rather than scientific research. In some cases, groups or individuals may even promote information to support a specific agenda.
Before trying a new gardening trend or tip, it is worth taking a little time to research the source.
Through Nebraska Extension, much of the gardening information shared with the public comes from university research. Research-based recommendations are tested repeatedly by many people under a variety of conditions. That helps ensure the information is reliable, consistent, and proven to work.
Land-grant universities are one of the best places to find trustworthy gardening information online. When searching the internet, adding “site:.edu” or “Extension” to your search can help you find research-based resources rather than opinions or internet rumors.
Every year, a few gardening myths make the rounds online. One common example is the claim that peppers or watermelons can be identified as male or female based on their shape. Despite what social media posts may claim, there are no male and female peppers. Pepper flowers are considered “complete flowers,” meaning each flower contains both male and female parts. The number of lobes on the bottom of a pepper simply reflects the genetics of that variety, not the gender of the fruit.
Watermelons and cucumbers are slightly different because the plants produce separate male and female flowers. Male flowers provide pollen, while female flowers contain the ovary that develops into the fruit after pollination. However, once the fruit develops, there is no such thing as a male or female watermelon or cucumber. Fruit shape is influenced by variety and growing conditions, not gender.
Another topic making its rounds online involves giant hogweed, a large invasive plant with sap that can cause severe skin irritation and blistering. While the warnings about the plant are accurate, many reports and photos being shared online come from areas on the East or West Coast, not Nebraska. At this time, giant hogweed is not considered a widespread issue in Nebraska or much of the Midwest.
That does not mean invasive plants should be ignored, but it does highlight the importance of checking reliable sources before assuming every online post applies locally.
A little research upfront can save gardeners time, money, and unnecessary worry. It can also help separate gardening facts from internet fiction. The next time you see a gardening tip online that sounds surprising or too good to be true, take a moment to dig a little deeper before putting it into practice.
Elizabeth Exstrom is a Horticulture Extension Educator with Nebraska Extension in Hall County. For research-based gardening information, contact Elizabeth at elizabeth.exstrom@unl.edu, visit huskerhort.com, or follow HuskerHort on Facebook and Twitter.