6 Forgotten Gardening Tips Our Grandparents Swore by That Really Work

We’re all shaped by family lore and old wives’ tales, whether we’re in our laundry rooms, kitchens, and yes, even our gardens. Often, this advice lasts generations because it’s so on point. Other times, it’s simply become a habit.

With this in mind, we decided to check in with a few garden pros to find out what gardening advice they learned from their own grandparents, and which tidbits have stood the test of time.

Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plant

Gardening pro Mary Phillips says her grandparents’ favorite mantra was feed the soil, not just the plant.

“They never just sprinkled chemical fertilizers,” she says. “Instead, they used generous amounts of compost, aged manure, and leaf mold to replenish the soil every spring and fall.”

For Phillips, this advice not only worked, it’s lasted into her adult life. 

“Feeding the soil is the secret to a thriving garden,” she says. “Healthy soil supports a diverse ecosystem, improves water retention, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizer, and ultimately leads to healthier plants.”

As a big proponent of wildlife-friendly gardens, Phillip says her compost bin is just as critical to her own approach to gardening as it was to her grandparents.

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Ward Off Pests with Human Hair

According to pro garden designer Linda Vater, her grandparents used to use hair from a hairbrush to ward off pests.

“The idea behind it is that adding a human scent to the garden will scare the pests away from your prized plants, reducing unwanted nibbling and protecting your garden bounty,” she says.

While another generation might have sworn by this method, Vater has her doubts—particularly because you apparently have to replace the hair frequently. 

“There are plenty of other solutions that have a proven track record of success,” she says. 

Instead, Vater is a big proponent for planting pest-resistant plants, such as ones that feature thorns and rough textures that are difficult or unpleasant to chew.

“You can even plant these pest-resistant plants as a border around more tempting flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs to deter garden snackers,” she says.

Never Leave the Soil Bare

As another tip from her grandparents, Phillips says she was taught never to let the soil be bare. 

“They were firm believers in mulching, often using straw, shredded leaves, or undyed wood chips around their plants,” she says. “If they didn’t have mulch, they’d plant groundcover.”

Now, as an adult, Phillips understands that this is a great way to support soil health and conserve water.

“Using native groundcovers and mulch suppresses weeds, reducing competition for resources,” says Phillips, who notes it also moderates soil temperature, prevents evaporation, and adds organic matter. “Bare soil erodes easily and dries out quickly.”

Bury Banana Peels Next to Rose Bushes

According to rose expert Wes Harvell, his grandparents taught him to bury banana peels at the base of his rose bushes. This, they said, should help them bloom bigger and brighter.

“While this can be true, [banana peels are] a targeted nutrient addition of potassium, only one of the nutrients needed for roses,” Harvell says. “Always start with a soil test to know what your soil needs before you amend it.”

However, when facing soil that does call for a potassium boost, Harvell admits he still uses a version of this same trick—just with a twist. Rather than solely burying whole banana peels, he chops or blends them and mixes them into his compost.

“It’s a simple, sustainable way to reuse waste and feed the soil naturally,” he says. “The peels can also be soaked in water for a few days to make a tea that can be used to water roses.”

But if you find banana peels aren’t doing anything for your garden, Harvell says it’s best to opt for a balanced rose fertilizer that includes both potassium and phosphorus.

Catch and Release Small Pests

According to gardening architect and author Pieter Croes, he has fond memories of his grandfather’s daily pest-removal process in his vegetable garden. 

“He told me that everyday before having his breakfast he would take a walk through the garden to catch the snails and remove them,” says Croes. “This became part of his morning routine—he would go to check on the vegetables but also see if the snails were causing trouble.”

For Croes, this instilled the idea that every aspect of gardening can be meditative and relaxing.

“It connects you to the garden and makes the maintenance less of a burden and more of a moment of stillness and joy.”

Always Remember Gardening Is About Joy

One thing we all often forget when it comes to tending to our homes and gardens is that this should all be about joy. Phillips says her grandfather, in particular, was a huge proponent of remembering this critical fact.

“He taught me the value of  coexisting with and supporting wildlife, and fostering a relationship with the natural world,” she says. “The garden is a living system, where everything is interconnected.”