Folklore in the Dirt

For as long as people have been tending the land, they’ve been swapping stories, tricks, and superstitions about what makes a garden thrive—or fail miserably. Passed down through generations, these "old wives’ tales" blend observation, intuition, and a little bit of magic. Some are deeply rooted in practical wisdom, others are pure myth, and a few have even been backed by modern science.

So, whether you’re a believer in garden folklore or just here for the fun of it, let’s dig into some of the strangest, most intriguing, and surprisingly effective superstitions from gardeners around the world.

🌕 Plant by the Moon – Many gardeners swear that seeds sown with the lunar cycle grow better. The idea? Plant leafy above ground crops such as herbs, salad greens in the waxing moon when moisture is drawn upward, supporting vigorous top growth. Root crops like beets, carrots, potatoes, onions in the waning moon when the earth’s moisture pulls down, encouraging strong root development. And some swear you should never plant on a full moon unless you want leggy, unruly plants. While modern science hasn’t settled the debate, studies show that moon phases influence moisture levels in soil, which could affect germination.

This idea is central to biodynamic farming, a regenerative growing method that considers cosmic rhythms, soil health, and plant vitality as interconnected. Biodynamic farmers time planting, pruning, and harvesting with lunar and planetary cycles, believing these forces subtly influence plant growth. Whether you follow the full biodynamic calendar or just keep an eye on the moon, it’s a tradition many gardeners still swear by. Even NASA tracks lunar cycles for growing food in space—so maybe there’s something to it!

🦶 Barefoot Gardening for Good Luck, or Good Health – Some traditions say you should plant your first seeds of the season barefoot to connect with the earth’s energy and ensure a strong harvest. Others believe walking barefoot on dewy grass in the morning brings prosperity (or at least wakes you up properly).

The Science: This folk wisdom has a modern counterpart—"earthing" or grounding. Studies show that direct skin contact with soil may reduce stress, improve sleep, and even lower inflammation by allowing the body to absorb electrons from the earth. So, whether it brings luck or just makes you feel good, it’s worth a try!

🐞 Lucky Bugs & Unwanted Guests – Ladybugs? Good luck—if one lands on you, your garden will flourish. Spiders? Leave them be—they protect plants by keeping pests in check. But cutworms in your soil? That’s a sign of bad luck (and bad planting ahead). Some gardeners even bury an old rusty nail near their tomatoes to prevent disease—turns out, it’s actually adding iron to the soil, which plants need for healthy growth!

🧄 Garlic to Keep Evil (and Pests) Away – Beyond repelling vampires (naturally), hanging garlic braids near doorways was thought to ward off bad spirits. In the garden, it’s also a companion planting powerhouse, repelling aphids, caterpillars, and even fungal diseases. And yes—science confirms that garlic’s sulfur compounds are natural deterrents for both pests and some pathogens!

🌱 Speak Kindly to Your Plants – Some believe that talking or singing to plants makes them grow stronger. Turns out, plants really can sense their environment in ways we’re just beginning to understand. Studies from the University of Missouri found that plants can actually "hear" nearby insects chewing and respond by producing more defensive chemicals. Research in bioacoustics suggests that plants can respond to certain sound frequencies, potentially detecting approaching animals, water sources, or even human voices. Other research suggests that plants can recognise human voices and even react to sound vibrations, which could explain why some people swear their tomatoes thrive when they sing to them! A famous 1960s experiment by Dr. T.C. Singh (a botanist in India) found that plants exposed to classical music grew faster and healthier than those in silence. Interestingly, those exposed to harsh noise or chaotic sound waves didn’t fare as well. In 2007, South Korean researchers found that rice plants responded positively to certain frequencies of sound, which triggered gene expression linked to growth.

Plants don’t just listen—they also communicate! Many species form underground partnerships with mycorrhizal fungi, creating a vast "Wood Wide Web."

This fungal network allows plants to:

Send warning signals about pests or disease to neighbouring plants.

Share nutrients and resources—stronger trees or plants can send carbon, nitrogen, and water to weaker ones.

Detect stress or environmental changes—some scientists even suggest that plants can prepare for fire, drought or pest invasions by “listening” to chemical cues from their neighbours.

💡 Whether you follow lunar cycles, sing to your tomatoes, or keep a lucky ladybug around, there’s something beautiful about these old gardening traditions. Many may not be strictly scientific, but they remind us that gardening is more than just growing food—it’s about connection, care, and respect for nature’s rhythms.

Do you have a garden superstition or old trick that’s been passed down in your family? Let us know—we’d love to hear it!