1. Plant Tomatoes in Full Sun
In the ’60s, every backyard gardener knew tomatoes thrived with as much sunlight as possible. Rows of plants were carefully positioned to soak up the day’s rays. The rule was simple but spot-on.
Modern gardening guides still echo the same advice. Tomatoes need at least six to eight hours of direct sun for healthy fruit. That old wisdom holds firm even today.
2. Rotate Crops Each Year
Gardeners in the 1960s often switched planting spots to keep soil healthy. Tomatoes, beans, and corn weren’t grown in the same place year after year. It was about keeping the ground fertile and pests at bay.
Science later confirmed this strategy reduces disease and replenishes nutrients. Rotation is still a cornerstone of sustainable gardening. What felt like folk wisdom then is solid practice now.
3. Water in the Morning
Parents in the ’60s reminded kids to water the garden before school, not in the heat of the day. Morning watering allowed plants to absorb moisture before the sun evaporated it. It also reduced the risk of mildew from damp evening air.
Gardeners today know early watering is best for hydration and disease prevention. The timing trick is still one of the simplest ways to keep plants thriving. Old routines had real science behind them.
4. Don’t Overwater
Back then, overwatering was treated as a rookie mistake. Neighbors would shake their heads at soggy soil and drooping leaves. The saying was, “plants drown too, you know.”
Decades later, we know overwatering causes root rot and weak plants. Allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings is key. The old caution remains as true as ever.
5. Mulch to Keep Weeds Down
A layer of straw, grass clippings, or even newspaper was a common sight in ’60s gardens. It kept weeds from sprouting and held moisture in the soil. It was frugal and effective.
Today’s gardeners still rely on mulch, though materials have expanded. The principle hasn’t changed—it saves time and strengthens plants. This Depression-era trick carried into the ’60s and beyond for good reason.
6. Pinch Off Dead Flowers
Gardeners were quick to pinch off faded blooms to encourage new ones. It was called “deadheading,” and it kept flowerbeds looking lively all summer. It was part aesthetics, part science.
We now know this really does redirect the plant’s energy into producing more buds. It’s still recommended for annuals and perennials alike. That small, mindful habit works as well today as it did then.
7. Compost Everything You Can
Families in the ’60s often had a compost pile in the corner of the yard. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and vegetable peels all went in. It was about saving money and enriching the soil naturally.
Composting is now recognized as one of the most eco-friendly gardening practices. It reduces waste while creating nutrient-rich fertilizer. That backyard heap of scraps was decades ahead of its time.
8. Plant Marigolds Near Vegetables
Marigolds weren’t just planted for color—they were considered natural pest repellents. Rows of bright orange and yellow flowers bordered tomato and pepper beds. Gardeners swore they kept bugs away.
Modern studies suggest marigolds do deter certain nematodes and insects. Even if partly folklore, the practice has real benefits. Beauty and function combined in one timeless tip.
9. Thin Seedlings Early
In the ’60s, gardeners stressed the importance of thinning seedlings so plants had space to grow. Crowded sprouts were gently pulled or transplanted. It felt wasteful, but it made the garden stronger.
Science confirms overcrowding stunts growth and reduces yields. Proper spacing allows roots and leaves to flourish. This “cruel-to-be-kind” advice is still right on target.
10. Save Seeds from the Best Plants
Seed-saving was a thrifty tradition in the ’60s. Families carefully dried and stored seeds from their healthiest vegetables and flowers. It kept costs low and ensured future gardens were hardy.
Today, heirloom gardening has revived the practice. Saving seeds helps preserve biodiversity and personalizes the garden. The wisdom of choosing “the best of the best” still holds true.
11. Hoe Weeds While They’re Small
Gardeners never let weeds get too tall. The rule was to hoe or pull them while they were tiny sprouts. It kept the job quick and prevented weeds from stealing nutrients.
Modern gardening guides still push this same timing. Early weeding saves hours of labor down the road. The old saying “nip it in the bud” applies perfectly here.
12. Stake Tall Plants Early
In the ’60s, tall growers like tomatoes or beans were tied to wooden stakes or trellises before they grew unruly. It kept them upright and prevented broken stems. Gardeners knew timing was everything.
Today, supports are still essential for big, heavy plants. Setting them early avoids damaging roots later. This tip remains a classic rule of smart gardening.
13. Trust the Almanac
Many families relied on the Farmer’s Almanac for planting dates, weather predictions, and moon cycles. It wasn’t always perfect, but it gave gardeners a sense of guidance. Neighbors compared notes on whether the advice held true.
While science has refined forecasting, many gardeners still consult almanacs for fun and tradition. Planting by the moon continues to have devoted followers. The habit shows how old advice still shapes gardens today.