20 Mistakes That New Gardeners Make

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

It's easy to make mistakes when you're new to gardening. But don't worry. With a little bit of advice and practice, you'll be an expert in no time! In this post, we'll discuss some of the most common mistakes that new gardeners make, and we'll provide tips on how to avoid them. 

Gardening can be a great hobby that provides fresh produce, outdoor exercise, and relaxation. However, rookie gardeners can make common mistakes that cause their plants to fail. Here are the top 20 mistakes to avoid as a new gardener.

1. Not Testing the Soil

One of the most common mistakes new gardeners make is not testing the soil. Most plants have specific soil requirements in order to thrive, and without a soil test, it can be difficult to know what amendments need to be made.

Testing the soil is also important for determining the correct pH level. Many plants have a preferred range of soil pH, and if the level is too high or low, it can negatively impact plant growth. 

Additionally, soil tests can help to identify nutrient deficiencies. By finding out what nutrients are lacking, gardeners can take steps to ensure that their plants are getting everything they need to grow healthy and strong. 

Ultimately, taking the time to test the soil is a vital part of successful gardening.

2. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Another common mistake is planting a garden in a place where they won't check it often. This can lead to problems such as overgrown plants, pests, and disease. When plants are not checked on regularly, it is difficult to catch problems early. 

Overgrown plants can also block out sunlight and prevent other plants from getting the light they need to grow. In addition, unchecked gardens are more likely to attract pests and diseases. 

By making sure to check your garden regularly, you can avoid these problems and have a healthy, thriving garden.

3. Planting Too Much

When it comes to gardening, more is not always better. If you plant to much, it can lead to a number of problems such as overcrowding, competition for resources, and an increased risk of disease. It can also make it difficult to keep up with the maintenance required to keep the garden healthy. 

When planting, it is important to take into account the mature size of the plants and allow for adequate spacing. This will help ensure the plants have enough room to grow and that they are not competing for light, water, and nutrients. 

With a little planning, it is possible to avoid the mistake of planting too much and create a garden that is both beautiful and easy to care for.

4. Not Timing the Planting Right

There are a few things to consider when deciding when to plant, such as the maturity of the plant, the type of plant, the climate, and whether or not you are starting with seeds or seedlings. If you planted at the wrong time, your plants may not have enough time to mature before the first frost, or they may not be able to flower.

In order to have a successful garden, it is important to find out when the best time to plant is for the type of plants you want to grow. You can usually find this information on the back of seed packets or online. With a little planning and research, you can ensure that your garden is planted at the ideal time for your area.

5. Planting in Any Old Soil

A particularly common mistake that new gardeners make is planting in any old soil. In their excitement to get started, they may not realize that not all soil is created equal. Different plants have different needs, and the type of soil that is best for one plant may not be suitable for another. 

For example, cacti and other succulents require well-drained soil, while ferns prefer a more moist environment. If you're not sure what type of soil your plants need, it's always best to ask a professional or do some research beforehand. 

Taking the time to choose the right soil will help ensure that your plants are happy and healthy for years to come.

6. Not Planting in Direct Sunlight

When starting a garden, it's important to plant in direct sunlight. While it may seem counterintuitive, plants need sunlight to grow. The sun helps to convert water and carbon dioxide into the food that plants need to survive. 

Without adequate sunlight, plants will become spindly and weak, and they will eventually die. So when planning a garden, be sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day. 

And if you're not sure how much sun your garden will get, ask an experienced gardener or nursery worker for advice. With a little knowledge and planning, you can avoid this common gardening mistake and create a thriving garden that will provide you with years of enjoyment.

7. Overcrowding Your Plants

When plants are grown too close together, they compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients. As a result, they can become weak and sickly.

To avoid this problem, make sure to give each plant enough space to spread out. Depending on the type of plant, you may need to thin out seedlings or transplant large plants to give them room to grow.

8. Ignoring Irrigation

One of the most common mistakes that new gardeners make is ignoring irrigation. While it is true that too much water can damage plants, insufficient water can be just as harmful. 

Without enough water, plants will become dehydrated and stressed, making them more susceptible to disease and pests. In addition, drought-stressed plants are often smaller and produce fewer fruits and flowers. To avoid these problems, gardeners should take the time to set up an irrigation system. 

By doing so, they can ensure that their plants receive the right amount of water, regardless of the weather conditions. With a little effort, any gardener can keep their plants healthy and happy – even on the hottest summer days.

9. Not Fertilizing Your Plants

Another common mistake is forgetting to fertilize their plants on a regular basis. Plants need nutrients in order to grow strong and produce bountiful harvests, so be sure to fertilize according to recommended schedules.

Using organic fertilizer is a great way to give your plants the nutrients they need without harming the environment.

10. Forgetting to Harvest

Believe it or not, another common mistakes is forgetting to harvest crops. After all the hard work of planting and watering, it can be easy to simply let the fruits and vegetables ripen on the vine. However, this can actually devalue your crop. 

For example, tomatoes will continue to produce lycopene (a nutrient that gives them their red color) as long as they are on the vine. However, once they are picked, lycopene production will stop. As a result, tomatoes that are picked at the peak of ripeness will be more nutritious than those that are left to languish on the vine. 

The same is true for other fruits and vegetables; in general, crops that are harvested in a timely manner will be more flavorful and nutritious than those that are not. So if you want to get the most out of your garden, don't forget to harvest your crops on a regular basis.

11. Incorrect Mulching – or Not Mulching At All

Mulching is an important gardening technique that helps to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth. 

However, it is important to use the right type of mulch and to apply it correctly. Using the wrong type of mulch can actually lead to more weed growth. 

Applying mulch too thickly can suffocate plant roots and prevent moisture from reaching the soil. And putting mulch around the base of trees and shrubs can encourage rodents and other pests to take up residence. So before you start mulching your garden, be sure to do your research.

12. Overwatering 

While it is important to give plants a thorough watering, it is just as important not to water them too often. 

Overwatering can lead to a number of problems, including root rot and the spread of fungal diseases. Furthermore, it can cause the leaves of plants to become yellow and wilted. To avoid overwatering, make sure to check the soil before watering. If the soil is already moist, there is no need to water again. 

In addition, be sure to water early in the day so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. By following these simple tips, you can avoid overwatering and keep your plants healthy and strong.

13. No Pruning

Pruning is a common gardening practice that involves trimming away dead or dying branches from a plant. 

Many new gardeners mistakenly believe that pruning is not necessary, but this could not be further from the truth. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, remove diseased or damaged tissue, and improve the overall appearance of a plant. When done correctly, pruning can also help to increase the yield of fruits and vegetables. 

However, over-pruning can damage a plant, so it is important to exercise caution and only remove the minimum amount of material necessary. With a little practice, pruning can be an easy and effective way to keep your plants healthy and happy.

14. Failing to Weed

Weeding is one of the most important, and yet most commonly neglected, gardening tasks. 

Failing to weed on a regular basis allows undesirable plants to take over your garden, crowding out the flowers and vegetables that you've worked so hard to grow. Weeds also compete with your plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients, making it difficult for your garden to thrive. What's more, some weeds can be invasive, quickly spreading through your garden and causing damage. 

To avoid these problems, make sure to spend some time weeding every week. Pulling up weeds by hand is often the best method, as it allows you to target specific plants and prevents new seeds from being scattered. With a little effort, you can keep your garden free of weeds and looking its best.

15. Obsessing Over One Plant That Fails to Thrive

Starting a garden can be a very rewarding experience. For many people, it is a way to connect with nature and to enjoy the beauty of plants. 

However, it is important to remember that not all plants will thrive in all conditions. In fact, it is common for new gardeners to obsess over one plant that fails to thrive, often to the detriment of their other plants. 

The key is to remember that no plant is indispensable, and that there are always other options available. If a particular plant is not doing well, try moving it to another location or changing the type of fertilizer you are using. 

With a little trial and error, you will eventually find the perfect combination of conditions for your garden.

16. Not Growing Native or Hardy Plants for Your Area

A common mistake that new gardeners make is not growing native or hardy plants for their area. This can have a number of negative consequences, including the death of plants and the spread of invasive species. 

One of the reasons this is such a common mistake is that many gardeners are lured by the promise of exotic plants. They see a beautiful flower or a succulent that they can't find at their local nursery, and they want to add it to their garden. 

However, these plants often require special care and attention that many new gardeners are not prepared to give. As a result, they quickly become disappointed when their prized plants die. 

Another reason this mistake is so common is that many gardeners underestimate the importance of researching their local climate and soil conditions. They assume that all plants will be able to thrive in their garden, regardless of the conditions. 

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. By taking the time to research which plants are native to your area and which ones are best suited to your climate and soil conditions, you can avoid making this common mistake.

17. Using Synthetic Insecticides

Many new gardeners make the mistake of using synthetic insecticides in an attempt to control pests. However, these products can do more harm than good. First of all, they can kill beneficial insects that help to keep pests under control. 

They can also contaminate the soil and water, harming plant life and potentially causing health problems for people and animals. 

Finally, they can be very expensive, particularly if you need to keep reapplying them. In general, it is best to avoid using synthetic insecticides and instead focus on preventive measures such as choosing disease-resistant plants and keeping your garden clean and tidy. 

These measures may take a bit more work upfront, but they will pay off in the long run.

18. Treating, Rather Than Preventing, Plant Diseases

Plant diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including pests, poor drainage, and excessive moisture. While it is important to address these problems as soon as they are noticed, the best way to prevent plant diseases is to take proactive measures to avoid them in the first place.

This means selecting disease-resistant plants, keeping your garden well-ventilated, and avoiding overwatering. With a little effort, you can keep your garden healthy and disease-free.

19. Buying Poor Quality Seeds or Plants

A garden is only as good as the plants that are grown in it, so it is important to start with high-quality seeds and plants. 

Unfortunately, many new gardeners make the mistake of buying poor quality seeds or plants. This can lead to a number of problems, including stunted growth, disease susceptibility, and poor yields. In some cases, it can even be impossible to get the plants to flower or fruit.

To avoid making this mistake, take the time to research the best sources for high quality seeds and plants. This extra effort will pay off in the long run with a more bountiful and beautiful garden.

20. Killing Every Single Pest

In their quest for a perfect garden, many new gardeners make the mistake of trying to kill every single pest they see. 

However, this approach can actually do more harm than good. While it is certainly important to control damaging pests such as aphids and caterpillars, not all insects are harmful to plants.

In fact, many insects play an important role in pollination and other vital processes. Indiscriminately killing all insects can disrupt the delicate balance of nature, leading to more problems down the road. 

A better approach is to focus on controlling specific pests that are causing damage to plants. By taking a targeted approach, gardeners can minimize the impact on beneficial insects while still protecting their plants.

Final Thoughts

While gardening can be a rewarding hobby, it’s important to avoid making common mistakes that can harm your plants. By taking some time to plan ahead and learn about basic gardening care, you can ensure that your garden will be a success.

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