Don't rely on local lore

[marlingardener]

We were told that "white" potatoes would be prey to nematodes, and only red potatoes would do well here in Central Texas. As an experiment, we planted Yukon Gold this year, along with our usual Red LaSodas.
Despite what the local gardeners told us, the Yukons did very well, with no sign of nematodes. The LaSodas did well also, but that was expected.
Because someone with years of "experience" tells you something, don't necessarily believe it. Give a new variety a try--experiment with vegetables and flowers that you are told "won't grow here."
All too often local lore is based on knowledge gained 50 years ago. It doesn't necessarily apply for the newer varieties, different planting techniques, and other changes. Of course, the local lore is based on something, so take all of that into consideration, and go plant and see what happens!

 

[JBtheExplorer]

As far as plants go, anything is possible. I've seen shade plants do great in full sun, I've seen wet plants do great in dry soil. I've seen plants that weren't supposed to flower until the second year bloom in the first. You never know what's going to happen because there are thousands of things to factor in.

 

[grouie]

Putting people and things in 'fixed' grooves is old fashioned

 

[Bootsy]

I agree. Although I still find that a lot of the old lore is still very useful (I've probably set some of it as I've been gardening for over sixty years! ) it doesn't always hold true in a number of circumstances.

My wife, who is the font of all knowledge as far as gardening is concerned, has a slightly different view of some of it. As an example: some well respected gardeners asked her how we could have such a wonderful display of camellias in our garden as camellias like to be in acid soil and ours is alkaline.

They asked whether she adds anything to the soil and she told them that we only add our own garden compost. So they asked her what she thought the reason was. Her answer was "If you don't tell them they're not supposed to grow well here, they don't know!"

She plants what she likes, wherever she likes. She also believes that wild birds will like her because she wants to be friendly, and I have many photos of her holding wild birds and stroking them.

 

[ChanellG]

Glad you decided to experiment. It really annoys me when so-called experts think they are the sole authority on something and there is no room for any other anything. Nobody know anything about how things grew once upon a time, let alone what grew well where, etc.

We all have different conditions and micro climates and what works on one side of your yard or plot may not work on the other side. Congratulations on your success!

 

[IcyBC]

I am a bit of the old and the new! I just like to experiment different things in my garden. And I learn that columbine can't live in the soil of my garden. They all died soon after I planted them!

 

[Clairelouise84]

We were told that "white" potatoes would be prey to nematodes, and only red potatoes would do well here in Central Texas. As an experiment, we planted Yukon Gold this year, along with our usual Red LaSodas.
Despite what the local gardeners told us, the Yukons did very well, with no sign of nematodes. The LaSodas did well also, but that was expected.
Because someone with years of "experience" tells you something, don't necessarily believe it. Give a new variety a try--experiment with vegetables and flowers that you are told "won't grow here."
All too often local lore is based on knowledge gained 50 years ago. It doesn't necessarily apply for the newer varieties, different planting techniques, and other changes. Of course, the local lore is based on something, so take all of that into consideration, and go plant and see what happens!

It never even occurred to me to think of anything like that though in hindsight I probably should have looked up about voles! I was so gung ho that I never even thought anything other than birds might be after my wares. Despite living in an orchard next to an abandoned derelict church.

 

[claudine]

I couldn't agree more, Marlingardener! A few years ago, an expert told me that miniature roses can't be grown indoors. I proved him wrong Most of my lovely miniatures are doing great.

Bootsy - those birds are super cute!!!

 

[marlingardener]

Bootsy, my husband and your wife must send out the same vibes to wildlife. I swear the rabbits around here consider him one of "theirs", and birds all but perch on his shoulders and coo into his ears. Actually, one of our hens did perch on his shoulder (a photo-op I missed and have regretted ever since). The local coyotes just stare at him, knowing he's no threat, and when he mows he avoids hitting our local snakes.
I, on the other hand, am just "staff" who provides water, cover, occasional treats, and keep their domain tidy.

 

[Bootsy]

We had a cat that adopted us and lived in the greenhouse. He was the friendliest and most loving cat I have ever met. He adored my wife and followed her everywhere. He then adopted her attitude towards the birds and was very protective of them.

The birds gradually got used to him and were not the least bit bothered. Baby pheasants used to play around him and when they grew up they were quite happy when he was there. He chased hawks away from our birds and even guarded and looked after birds that had fallen from their nests.

He doesn't look as though he's doing much guarding in this picture