Are you dreaming of warm spring days when you can begin to garden? Whether you are planting in a box, straight in the ground, or in pots you can have success! Here are 7 Common Garden Mistakes and How to Avoid them.
7 Common Garden Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Choosing the wrong plants for your zone – Nothing will turn off a new gardener faster than seeds that wont germinate and plants that wont produce fruit or bloom. The best way to avoid this is to first find out your zone. Zones are based on the capablility of plants growing within a certain climate. You must check all plants, vegetables, herbs, and flowers prior to purchasing to be sure they are suitable for your area. Set yourself up for success right from the start by checking which planting zone you live in and growing plants that thrive in your zone.
2. Planting too early/late – Plant when the planting is good! Too early and your plants may be frozen over by a late frost. If you are eager to get started, perhaps you can plan to start seeds indoors, or make a seed tape. Keep busy with pre-planting tasks. If you wait too late into the season, they may not get enough of the heat or cold they need to bloom and grow. Set reminders on your phone or computer if you need to.
3. Watering too much/not enough- Pay attention to what your plants need, plant things with similar water needs together to make it easier. If you are container gardening, remember that the soil in containers tends to dry out sooner than the ground, and water accordingly. Be sure to have a water source handy to your planting space.
4. Not amending the soil – Sometimes you can get lucky and plant fruits, vegetables, or flowers, barely touch them, and have amazing results. That is not usually the case though; oftentimes your soil needs something extra, such as lime, nitrogen rich soil, peat moss, organic matter and compost, to make it the best it can be. You can usually take samples of your soil to the extension office in your area and have it tested for free. Here is a list of the top 10 organic fertilizers.
5. Planting too closely – Don’t crowd out your beds. This will lead to difficulty weeding, choking out tender growths, and poor harvest results. Read your seed packets, and check your gardening books and online resources for planting distances for a successful growing season.
6. Letting weeds take over – Instead of waiting for weeds to overtake your garden, be proactive. Every time you water go ahead and pull visible weeds. This way you spend less than 5 minutes instead of an entire back breaking morning. Pull up from the roots to keep them from coming right back, those suckers will take a mile if you give them an inch of garden space.
7. Going too big – Especially if this is your first time putting in a garden, make realistic plans for yourself. You can always add to it later before the next growing season. See what works for you and what doesn’t. Build on as you gain confidence. If your garden is so large that the maintenance is overwhelming, you will not be able to enjoy it or reap the fruitful benefits.
Do you have any other suggestions for mistakes to avoid?
Leave a Reply