Gardening can bring many health benefits to individuals, from reducing stress to uplifting mood and energy levels. The activity can also be emotionally rewarding and allow one to stay connected with nature. But it is a skill that requires a few trials and errors before learning how to do it well. Beginners, particularly, may need to watch out for mistakes related to the plants, soil, fertilizers, or seasonal plantations that may harm their green patch. Common gardening mistakes Overwatering At times, people may worry about drying out their plants and overwater them. This mistake causes the roots to get waterlogged, which may stop the oxygen cycle and rot them. The best way to avoid this is to water plants deeply, less frequently, and wait until the two inches of the topsoil is dry to the touch before watering again. One can use a moisture meter to check moisture level in the soil as well. Underwatering On the other hand, not watering enough can also be detrimental to one’s plants, especially to the new sprouts and transplants. Bigger trees and richer soil can hold water for a longer time, so a day or two of underwatering does not affect them as much.

Gardening is a leisurely activity and a beloved hobby for many. But as incredible as it is, one needs to consider several factors to ensure the survival of a garden, and especially for it to thrive. If you are building a kitchen garden, it will require a different kind of dedication and a different set of rules than an aesthetic, floral garden. In either case, there are some essential tips to follow. So, let’s explore some common gardening mistakes to avoid. Neglecting soil preparation This is the most crucial step of any gardening process. The soil is the base of the garden, and it is full of nutrients that are essential for the plants to thrive on. Neglecting soil preparation can cost you your beloved garden. Before starting any activity on the patch, assess your soil’s texture, pH balance, and nutrient content. Analyze this report to understand what kind of plants this soil can support. You can add organic matter, like compost and manure, to the soil to help improve its nutrient content and any additional requirements. Also, this cannot be a one-time process; you will have to do regular soil checking to ensure that the nutrients are not depleting.

Gardening isn’t something you get right on the first try. It requires some trial and error to perfect. Sometimes, you might find a plant doing poorly in one spot of your yard but thriving in another. While you might need more than a couple of tries to get things right, you must first learn about the common gardening mistakes to avoid. Luckily, most of these are easy to step over. Skipping compost Plants need nutrients while growing, and the best way to supply them is by adding compost. By skipping compost, you’re falling prey to one of the most common gardening mistakes that should be avoided. Compost not only provides plants with nutrients but also adds moisture and improves the soil’s drainage. Ignoring pest control Pests are always waiting for a chance to make quick work of your garden. So, you must find a way to stop them without using poisonous chemicals. One solution is to grow disease and pest-resistant plants that attract birds and insects that eat destructive pests. You can use some non-toxic traps and sprays occasionally. Poor watering habits It’s impossible to ignore how many of us water our plants and gardens at the wrong time. If you want the lawn to retain moisture, water it last thing at night or first thing in the morning.