Gardening mistakes are bound to happen — especially if you’re still new. Even those who have been doing gardening for a long time still make a few mistakes. Of course, it’s best if you’re able to refrain from having these missteps. A major or minor mistake can greatly affect the visual appearance of your garden and plant growth.
In gardening, there are practices that we are simply doing without thinking, and fail to realise that it is not good for the garden. With this article, I am going to introduce you to the usual mishaps that gardeners usually do. Not only that, there are also tips on how to avoid them.
1. Starting Out Big
Starting large-scale projects because you were inspired by the marvelous images of gardens from the magazine and shows is commendable, but you might want to slow down if it’s your first time. Tantamount to reality, these landscaping designs can be tricky and hard to achieve. If you don’t want to get disappointed because you failed in achieving the garden the same as what you have seen, then don’t start big.
Starting huge can be disappointing in the beginning, giving you the idea to give up in the middle of the journey. Start your garden by planning small and expand it later on when you have gain more experience. If you are growing a garden that’s too big for you to handle, then it is very tiring to maintain.
Do not plant a plant in large numbers if you do not have enough space for them. Starting small for a garden can gain a better sense of achievement and accomplishment. Through this, you can also learn about the different types of plants and also become knowledgeable with applying and experimenting with various gardening techniques.
Don’t feel obligated to have a large garden just because your neighbours have one; it is okay to have a small garden first and just let it grow it over time.
2. Watering Mistakes
A gardener may not notice it, but we are bound to make a watering blunder at some point. It does not matter that you have been watering for years since mistakes really do happen. It is very important for you to remember that a gardener’s goal is to keep your soil damp, not waterlogged.
Watering your plants will encourage them to grow; however, if you water their roots too much, the water will drown the roots and the plants will die. Frankly speaking, different varieties of plants require specific techniques in watering. It is important that you will educate yourself what kind of plant you are adding to your garden and comply to their needs. Plants with bigger roots like shrubs and trees need a good deep soak at least twice a week. You do need to be careful with large trees since their invasive roots can cause damage to your garden and house’s plumbing.
Seasonal flowers only need to be watered rarely during the colder months, but they need to be watered at least 4 times a week during summer time. If you have flowers that are beginning to grow, it is important to give them plenty of supervision. It’s because their roots are more delicate so be careful not to shower them too much water.
3. Overcrowding Problems
Overcrowding is a big no in gardening. Doing this habit only creates problems between the plants as they will compete for the nutrients they get from the soil. The sunlight may not be properly dissipated between the plants since some vegetation might overshadow the others. Also, the roots may have not enough room to grow properly.
Robust plants will push out of the way which means you will not get the colourful and varied flowerbed you worked and hoped for. The same case also applies to vegetables. It is essential to give your seeds and plants a good room to germinate and reach their full potential.
4. Neglecting the Idea to Improve the Soil
Some are lucky enough to own healthy and high quality soil in the garden. Others are not so fortunate since their soil type are clay, sandy, and/or rocky. But even if the soil is top notch, it won’t be good enough for gardening if no proper improvement or care is practised.
To have a good produce, and for the benefit of your greenery, give your soil a little boost. If you do not have a healthy soil in your garden, lay some organic soil onto the existing ones you have. An inch or 2 will be fine and you should also add compost as it will provide all the needed nutrients for the plants. With this, the plants will grow into its full potential and prosper.
Your gardening may not be perfect as certain blunders are to be expected; however, by learning how to avoid these common gardening mistakes, you will have a better idea on how to improve your garden.
Katie Jones is a passionate writer for home improvement topics that include but are not limited to: plumbing, gardening, bathroom renovation, etc.
