10 Gardening Myths You Need to Stop Believing

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Black Walnut Tree mountainberryphoto/Getty Images

Nothing Grows Near a Black Walnut Tree

While the roots of black walnut (Juglans nigra) do release an allelopathic chemical known as juglone that inhibits the growth of some plants, there are many plants that will grow beneath and near black walnut trees. Examples for landscaping around these trees include tulips, daffodils, Japanese maple, lilac, and flowers such as foxglove, purple coneflower, begonia and impatiens. Your local cooperative extension will have a complete list for your region.

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grassM. Cornelius/Shutterstock

Compost Piles Smell Bad

If your compost pile has anything but a pleasant earthy smell, it is not being properly worked. Anaerobic composting means there is a lack of oxygen in the pile. It will still break down—slowly—but will have a swampy smell. Turn the pile regularly to introduce oxygen to help mitigate any odor. Add leaves and a few shovels full of soil to keep materials from turning slimy.

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