It happens to the best of us — your neighbour swears by it, your grandma swears by it, and so you do it too… only to wonder why your plant still struggles.
In Malaysia, where gardening knowledge often gets passed down by word of mouth, plenty of myths still float around. Some are harmless; others might actually hold your plants back.
In this HARVEST guide, we’re setting the record straight! Let’s debunk common gardening myths Malaysians still believe — and offer smarter, proven alternatives.
❌ MYTH 1: More fertiliser = faster growth
✅ The truth: Over-fertilising burns roots and can kill your plant. What matters is balanced feeding at the right intervals.
💡 What actually works:
- Use organic compost or slow-release fertiliser once a month.
- Always follow package directions if using store-bought fertilisers.
❌ MYTH 2: Water your plants every day, no matter what
✅ The truth: Daily watering often leads to overwatering and root rot, especially during rainy spells.
💡 What actually works:
- Feel the soil — only water when the top 2-3cm is dry.
- Adjust frequency depending on the plant type and season.
❌ MYTH 3: Chili water cures all pest problems
✅ The truth: While chili spray can deter some pests, it won’t solve all issues and might even harm sensitive plants.
💡 What actually works:
- Use neem oil, soap spray, or attract beneficial insects for more balanced pest control.
❌ MYTH 4: Night watering is better to avoid evaporation
✅ The truth: Watering at night encourages fungal growth and attracts pests because of lingering moisture in Malaysia’s humid climate.
💡 What actually works:
- Water early in the morning so plants can dry off during the day.
❌ MYTH 5: Banana peels alone can replace fertiliser
✅ The truth: Banana peels add some potassium but don’t provide a full range of nutrients. And if left whole, they rot and attract pests.
💡 What actually works:
- Chop peels into small bits and mix into compost or bury deep in soil.
❌ MYTH 6: Bigger pots = bigger plants
✅ The truth: Oversized pots can cause water retention problems, leading to root rot — especially in young plants.
💡 What actually works:
- Match pot size to plant maturity, upgrading gradually as needed.
❌ MYTH 7: All bugs in the garden are bad
✅ The truth: Many insects are beneficial — ladybugs, lacewings, bees, and even spiders help your garden thrive.
💡 What actually works:
- Learn to identify helpful garden allies. Don’t spray indiscriminately!
📸 Share Your Myth-Busting Success!
Tried ditching a myth and saw results? We’d love to see your thriving plants!
Tag @projectharvest.my on Instagram and inspire others to garden smarter.
Hashtags:#SmartGardenMY #ProjectHarvestMY #GardenMythsBusted #MalaysianGardener
🌈 Final Thoughts: Grow Smarter, Not Harder
Gardening should be joyful — not filled with unnecessary struggles caused by old myths. By learning what really works, you’ll help your plants thrive and your garden shine 🌿💡.