What should you not do when gardening? Starting a garden? We have some info for you. Gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to know what not to do in order to avoid common mistakes.
Gardening is a popular hobby for many, but it can also be a source of frustration when mistakes are made.
The 2021 National Gardening Association Survey revealed that 41 million U.S. households are gardening, with a collective expenditure of $47.8 billion on gardening tools, plants, and services.
Additionally, the National Gardening Association estimates that 34% of all U.S. households – or nearly one in three households – are growing food at home or in community gardens.
Home gardeners have increased their vegetable yields by nearly 10%, and 75% of those surveyed reported using more organic methods when gardening.
So as you can see, gardening is growing!
Common gardening mistakes include planting too late, not amending the soil, adding too much nitrogen, planting too close together, planting too deep, using too much fertilizer or water, and more.
Other mistakes include planting the wrong plants, letting weeds get out of control, mono-cropping, improper pruning, and more. It’s important to understand these common mistakes so that you can avoid them in your own garden.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, I will provide valuable tips on what to avoid while tending to your plants and flowers. So put on your gardening gloves, and let’s dive in!
1. Avoid Planting Too Early
Starting a vegetable garden can be a thrilling experience, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could lead to disappointment. One of the most common mistakes first-time gardeners make is planting too early.
It can be tempting to get a head start, but planting before the soil has warmed up can result in stunted growth or even the death of the plants.
Instead, waiting until the soil has reached the optimal temperature for the specific plants you want to grow is essential.
Avoiding this mistake can set your garden up for success and ensure a bountiful harvest. Remember, patience is key when it comes to gardening.
2. Don’t Water the Leaves
Another important aspect of gardening to remember is to avoid watering the leaves of your plants. Giving your plants a refreshing spritz on a hot day may be tempting, but wet leaves can lead to disease and scorching.
Instead, opt for a watering wand or trickle irrigation system to water the soil directly. It’s also important to avoid watering during the middle of the day when water loss to evaporation is at its highest.
And don’t forget to watch out for overwatering – this can be just as damaging to your plants as underwatering. You can enjoy a vibrant and healthy garden by avoiding these common mistakes and properly caring for your plants.
3. Don’t Skip Soil Testing
Skipping soil testing is a common mistake many gardeners make but can lead to many problems. As mentioned earlier, understanding your soil is key to eliminating up to 80% of the problems in your garden.
Without a proper understanding of your soil, you may unwittingly create nutrient imbalances, hindering your plants’ growth and even leading to diseases. Despite the cost and effort required, performing an annual soil test, especially for intensely cultivated soils, is highly recommended.
The good news is that improving your soil is relatively simple, and adding organic matter such as compost and aged manure is a great way to start.
Taking the time to test and amend your soil can make a big difference in the health and productivity of your garden for years to come.
4. Don’t Neglect Proper Spacing
Proper spacing is an essential factor in gardening, yet many beginners tend to overlook it. Following the guidelines for plant spacing on seed packaging is crucial to achieving optimal plant growth.
Planting too close encourages your plants to compete for resources like water, sunlight, and nutrients, resulting in stunted growth and lower productivity.
On the other hand, spacing your plants too far apart may lead to wasted space and reduced yield. Therefore, finding the right balance is important as ensuring that each plant has enough room to grow, mature, and bear fruit.
Giving your plants the proper spacing they need will promote healthy growth and increase your chances of a bountiful harvest.
5. Don’t Overwork Yourself
Gardening is indeed hard work, and it’s easy to overdo it. That’s why it’s important not to neglect your health when tending to your plants. Overworking can lead to strained muscles and other injuries that can take a long time to heal, ultimately slowing you down in the long run.
Take breaks frequently, stretch often, and don’t put too much strain on your body. It’s essential to remember that gardening is meant to be enjoyable, not painful.
So, listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be able to tend to your garden for years to come.
6. Avoid Wasting Time on Poor Advice
When it comes to gardening, there is a lot of advice out there. Some of it is great and can help you achieve a beautiful and bountiful garden. But not all advice is created equal, and it’s important to be able to discern what will work for your specific garden and what won’t.
Avoid wasting time on poor advice by researching and seeking out reputable sources. Don’t rely solely on hearsay or outdated tips from friends or family members.
Instead, invest in quality resources and educate yourself on best practices for gardening success. Taking the time to gather accurate information can save you time and frustration in the long run. So, be selective in your advice and focus on what works for your garden.
7. Don’t Use Too Much Fertilizer
Regarding gardening, fertilizer can provide the necessary nutrients for plant growth. However, it’s important not to use too much fertilizer. Overfertilization can cause permanent damage to trees and plants, as well as harm the environment.
Gardeners should always read and follow the label directions carefully when applying fertilizer. It’s better to err on the side of caution and apply fertilizer in moderation to avoid burning or desiccating roots, which can ultimately kill the plants.
Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, but applying it excessively can cause harm. Understanding the right amount of fertilizer to use can prevent unnecessary expenses and failures of plants to thrive.
8. Don’t Neglect Weeding
Weeding may not be the most glamorous task in gardening, but it is one of the most important. Neglecting weeding can lead to a proliferation of unwanted plants that compete with your desired plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
It’s important to regularly weed your garden regularly, ideally once a week, to prevent weeds from getting out of control.
Use a hoe, hand cultivator, or your hands to remove weeds and pull them out by the roots carefully. Don’t forget to dispose of the weeds properly by adding them to a compost pile or throwing them away.
By staying on top of the weeding, you’ll have a healthier, happier garden in no time.
9. Avoid Neglecting Watering
Proper watering plays a key role in the success of your garden. Neglecting watering can lead to problems like pest and fungal infections that can stunt the growth of your plants. In addition to this, too much water can also have adverse effects on your garden. It is essential to water your plants based on their specific hydration requirements.
Avoid watering the leaves, especially of disease-prone plants like tomatoes or potatoes. Instead, water at the base of the plants to prevent issues like blight.
Consistent watering is crucial, and you should never neglect it. Remember to water your plants regularly and at the right time of day.
By following these guidelines, your garden will thrive and have a bountiful harvest.
10. Don’t Forget to Amend the Soil
To have a thriving garden, it is crucial not to forget to amend the soil. Adding organic matter such as compost can improve soil texture and drainage and provide essential nutrients for your plants to grow healthy. After all, without proper nutrients, your future plants will not receive enough nutrition.
So, to save money and ensure your plants receive the essential nutrients, it’s advisable to amend the soil with compost or other organic amendments. However, one must be careful.
Amending the soil too often or too much can do more harm than good. Also, it’s crucial to avoid using garden soil or topsoil in pots as these soils are heavy and take forever to dry out after watering.
So, don’t forget to amend the soil before planting or between seasons for better plant growth and a healthier garden.
