Top 15 Beginner Gardening Mistakes to Avoid
Starting your first garden is so rewarding, but beginners usually find themselves making mistakes that hinder the growth of their garden. Sadly this discourages some so much that they give up gardening altogether.
To prevent that devastating scenario, I have put together 15 of the most common mistakes beginners make so that you can find success in your garden sooner than most, and hopefully keep on gardening for years to come!
1.Underwatering and Overwatering:
One tricky part of gardening is striking the right balance when it comes to watering. Some beginners may be too cautious, leading to parched plants, while others might drown their garden in excess water.
Understanding the specific water needs of each plant and paying attention to environmental factors like weather conditions and soil type are crucial steps in preventing these common pitfalls.
Weather conditions can vary, and your watering routine should reflect these changes. During hot and dry periods, plants may need more water, while excessive rainfall may require you to scale back. Pay attention to the weather forecast and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
2. Planting Things Too Closely
In the excitement of starting a new garden, it's easy to underestimate the space plants need to thrive. Planting too closely can lead to competition for nutrients, sunlight, and water, stunting the growth of your beloved plants. Take the time to research the recommended spacing for each type of plant and give them the room they need to flourish.
Exercise self control and avoid trying to cram every seedling you have into a space. You will have more success with fewer plants. It may feel like waste to not use all of your seedlings, but just remember its not.
3.Poor Timing:
Timing is everything in gardening, and beginners often make the mistake of starting seeds too early or putting plants in the ground before the danger of frost has passed.
On the flip side, waiting too long to start seeds might result in a delayed harvest, or no harvest at all. It’s better to buy grown plants then to plant seeds too late in the season.
Knowing the optimal planting times for your specific region and climate is crucial. Additionally, being aware of when to buy mature plants can save you from setbacks caused by unpredictable weather conditions. (what is this about?)
You can consult the Farmer’s Almanac to determine what to plant and when for your area.
4.Not Succession Planting:
Novice gardeners may not realize the potential of their growing space throughout the growing season. Succession planting involves sowing seeds or planting new crops immediately after harvesting the previous ones. By doing this, you can make the most of your garden space and enjoy a continuous harvest.
The key is to stagger the planting times so that as one crop is harvested, another is ready to take its place. This ensures a steady supply of fresh produce from your garden. Succession sowing can be applied to various vegetables and herbs, allowing you to make the most of your gardening space and extend your harvest season.
Related Article: 7 Hacks for Mega Food Yields in Tight Spaces.
5.Allowing Weeds to Flourish:
Dandelion Seed Heads
Jason Long@jasonlong
Weeds are the bane of every gardener's existence, and waiting for them to flower and spread their seeds before taking action is a common tendency among new gardeners.
Regular weeding is essential to prevent these unwanted guests from competing with your plants for resources. Don't wait until the weeds take over your garden – yank them out early on, before they flower and produce seed, spreading their progeny all over the garden.
Be sure to remove all the roots or they will just keep coming back. Breaking the tops off doesn’t cut it.
6.Not Mulching:
Mulching is a simple yet powerful practice that many beginners overlook. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. By spreading a layer of mulch around your plants, you can create a more favorable environment for their growth and reduce the likelihood of common gardening problems.
You can choose from a variety of options. I like to use grass clippings in the vegetable garden, and mini bark nuggets around perennials and shrubs. Hay, pine needles, shredded bark, and free woodchips from arborists will all work well. Use biodegradable materials that will break down well and feed the soil in the process, which brings us to our next mistake…
7. Ignoring Soil Health:
The soil of your garden is its foundation. Neglecting to assess and improve soil quality can lead to poor plant growth.
Are there signs of life in it? Finding worms is always a good sign of soil health. If nothing is calling your soil home, consider adding organic matter, like compost, to enhance fertility.
Building healthy soil takes time, so be patient. The healthier your soil gets, the less amending it will need.
8. Choosing the Wrong Plants for Your Zone:
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to climate zones. Selecting plants that are not suited to your specific region can result in disappointment and frustration. Research and choose plants that are well-adapted to your climate and soil conditions.
If you live in the US, you can find your plant hardiness zone by checking the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
9. Overcrowding Containers:
Container gardening is a favorite among beginners, but stuffing a single container with too many plants can lead to nutrient depletion and poor growth. Follow recommended spacing guidelines and consider the mature size of each plant.
Many times, less is more. Better to have one tomato plant in a container with some tomatoes on it, then to have three tomato plants with no tomatoes!
10. Neglecting Pest Management:
Pests can quickly turn your garden dreams into a nightmare. Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, and take preventive measures to keep them at bay.
Explore companion planting, attract beneficial insects, or use organic pesticides to protect your green oasis.
Related Article: A Sustainable Approach to Pest Control
11. Not Providing Adequate Support for Tall Plants:
Tall or vining plants may need support to prevent them from toppling over. Failing to provide stakes or cages for support can lead to broken stems and reduced yields. Be proactive in providing the necessary support structures as your plants grow.
12. Disregarding Planting Depth:
Planting seeds or seedlings too deep or too shallow in the soil can affect germination and early growth. Follow the recommended planting depth for each type of plant to ensure optimal development.
Some plants are better planted deep, like tomatoes, burying a good part of the stem. Other plants such as strawberries will not tolerate that at all. Rather they should be planted at soil level to avoid rotting.
Do your research when planting something for the first time to know how deep to go.
13. Overlooking Sunlight Requirements:
Different plants have varying sunlight requirements. Placing shade-loving plants in full sun or sun-loving plants in deep shade can stunt their growth or cause them to wither. Pay attention to the sunlight needs of each plant and plan your garden accordingly.
Most fruits and vegetables require full sun to thrive. If your garden does not have an area that receives full sun and you would like to grow food, here is a list of crops that will still do well in partial sun: Lettuce, spinach, mint, parsley, cilantro, radishes, carrots, kale, broccoli, green onions (scallions), and certain varieties of cabbage.
14. Failing to Regularly Prune and Deadhead:
Pruning and deadheading are important albeit sometimes annoying chores to encourage healthy growth and prolong flowering. When you don’t do it the result is leggy plants, reduced flower production, and an overall untidy appearance. Get in the habit of strolling through the garden with a pair of snips at the ready.
15. Not Keeping a Garden Journal:
Keeping track of your gardening activities, including planting dates, varieties, and successes/failures, is a valuable practice. I wish I did this when I was starting out.
A gardening journal can serve as a reference for future seasons, helping you learn from your experiences and improve your skills over time.
With a bit of knowledge, a lot of patience, some work, and a generous helping of self control you can avoid most of these pitfalls. I say most because inevitably you will make mistakes, that is how we grow as gardeners.
Experience is the best teacher when it comes to gardening. Remember too, when you have mishaps, there is always next year. Try, try again!
Happy gardening!
