Gardening mistakes to avoid

Updated by December ,31, 1969

The process of growing plants and vegetables from scratch may seem daunting, so here are some tips to prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Mistake 1: Setting too lofty of a gardening goal

A bigger garden isn’t always better, at least if you’re a beginner, experts say growing a great garden successfully takes time. Hence gardeners are advised to start small but think big. A garden is a long-term investment and you should think about your goals three to five years from now.

Mistake 2: Not interplanting

Let all of your buds play together. Break away from the idea that you can only grow one type of plant in a bed, Interplanting, or intercropping, is a gardening practice that encourages pairing companion plants, as well as bundling taller and shorter plants. Mixing and matching can also whittle weeds and bring in beneficial pollinators.

Mistake 3: Overcrowding plants

Although mixing plants together is OK, you still have to be mindful of spacing, notes People want that instant garden full and colorful—big mistake, Plants need room to grow and spread naturally. Follow the planting recommendations, which typically suggest 2 to 3 feet between plants. You can probably cheat a little by skirting the recommendations by a few inches, but don’t pack plants side by side like sardines.

Mistake 5: Missing the fruits of your labor

Get on the garden’s schedule. Don’t leave ready to harvest items on the vine. This is like leaving a popsicle on the lawn and then being surprised it’s covered with ants.

Mistake 6: Misunderstanding plant growth

Developing an understanding of plant growth will be key to ensuring maximum success in the garden. Knowing plant height at maturity is crucial in nurturing all the plants in the garden. As the plant grows, it will cast shade on the surrounding plantings, and this can affect the overall environment, she notes. What’s more, you’ll want to provide adequate support structures for tall, vining, and climbing plants.

Mistake 7: Improper watering

“Don’t water like a wimp, Horticulturist advises going all in and dousing your seedlings properly. A deep, thorough watering once per week is better than splashing on a little every day. The soil should be wet several inches down after you’re done watering. If it isn’t, then you aren’t applying enough water at any given time. At the same time, giving plants too much water is detrimental—overwatering can lead to rotted roots and yellow leaves.

Mistake 8: Planting seeds once per season

Optimize the garden’s production power. Once the first crops have been harvested, amend the soil and re-plant for late summer and autumn harvesting. Good choices for a second helping of homegrown vegetables include carrots, beets, peas, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, and scallions.

Mistake 9: Not taking notes

Keeping a garden diary that documents the trial-and-error process is key to ensuring future improvement. Make note of the crops that were duds (and how they met their demise!), pest issues, and other side notes, like the time of day when the sun is most intense.

Mistake 10: Fear of failure

Even the most seasoned gardener has challenges and kills plants from time to time. The real growth happens from cultivating the lessons each season offers. Don’t let the presumption that you have a black thumb stop you from experimenting with gardening. Remember: Practice makes progress. That’s why when you harvest your first bounty, the reward will be that much sweeter.