Ten Landscaping Myths Busted!

Myth #1: Jumping into a pool or lake will end an attack by wasps, yellow-jackets, bees or hornets.
Fact: While some wasps, yellow-jackets and hornets will give up the chase at this point, several will wait until you come up for air, then attack again.

Myth #2: Ornamental grasses are pollen-producing nightmares for allergy sufferers.
Fact: As grasses go, the worst offenders of pollen allergies are Kentucky bluegrass, Orchard grass and Johnson grass.

Myth #3: The larger the plant, the larger the pot.
Fact: Plants in pots that are too big are more likely to suffer from root rot, causing them to shrivel. For a maximum show above ground, plants like their root systems to be a little on the cuddly side.

Myth #4: Having a cat or dog around, especially in the country, will help keep the mouse population in check.

Fact: "What the cat dragged in" often includes live mice, who are attracted to food bowls and tasty freebies left behind by your pet. Having a dog or cat may actually increase the number of mice around your home.

Myth #5: Mix some sand into heavy clay soil when you need to loosen it up.
Fact: Not unless you intend to plant in concrete! The combination of sand, sun and soil will turn your flowerbed into a hardened wasteland. Try tilling organic matter into the soil instead.

Myth #6: Bees and wasps can only sting once then their stinger falls out.
Fact: This only applies to bees. The same wasp, hornet or yellow-jacket can inflict multiple stings. Interestingly, though, the largest wasp of all, the two-inch long cicada killer, does not sting humans unless handled.

Myth #7: Fertilizers like 5-10-5 will produce lots of flowers.
Fact: Use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen concentration to produce the green growth needed for flowers to bud. The nitrogen concentration is the first number, followed by phosphorus and then potassium, which will build up in the soil if used to excess.

Myth #8: Using an insecticide / fertilizer mix on your yard is a convenient and effective way to save money while getting two jobs done at the same time.

Fact: Since different insects are vulnerable to insecticides at different points in their life cycles, it is nearly impossible to catch them all at the same time. While you may not need to hire a turf management company for your yard, don't be suckered into thinking that purchasing the insecticide / fertilizer combo will cure all your yard's ailments -- it won't.

Myth #9: The best time to water the grass is in the late afternoon or evening.

Fact: Since the moisture then sits on your grass all night, watering in the late afternoon or evening invites mold, fungi and other opportunists to take up residence on your lawn or garden. The best time to water is early in the morning so that plants can have all day to dry out.

Myth #10: Crickets in your home, though noisy, are harmless.

Fact: While crickets are not dangerous to humans, you'll want to keep them away from the laundry room since they tend to munch on fabrics. Furs, silks, cottons and woolens are particularly susceptible to cricket attacks, as are any articles of clothing that smell of perspiration.