If you’ve got a friend, relative, or neighbor who seems to be able to make green plants grow and thrive with a simple touch of the hand, you’re probably wondering how they work their magic — particularly if you can’t seem to get anything to grow no matter what you do. Growing a great garden is more a matter of technique than luck, however. Following are the five major mistakes fledgling gardener make and how you can avoid them.
Overwatering
Overwatering is by far the biggest mistake that most amateur gardeners make. Using a drip irrigation system designed to deliver water directly to the roots of your plants helps gardeners resist the temptation to overwater. These can easily be calibrated to ensure that each individual plant receives the amount necessary to meet its unique cultivation requirements.
Selecting the Wrong Plants
Purchasing those hothouse beauties that bloom so beautifully in garden catalogs frequently ends in disappointment. For instance, if you fall in love with a certain type of rose, making sure that roses thrive in your geographical location will help ensure success. Consider using native plant species because they’ll be biologically acclimated to your climate and soil conditions.
Selecting the Wrong Planting Sites
Plants that need significant amounts of sunlight to thrive perform poorly in shaded spaces, and shade loving vegetation languishes and sometimes even burns to a crisp when sited in overly sunny spots. Learn the cultural requirements of each plant before deciding on a site. A basic rule of thumb is that plants with large, green leaves require a great deal of shade, while those with small, grayish leaves thrive in locations receiving optimal sun.
Not Building Soils
Strong soils grow strong plants, while those deficient in nutrients produce spindly, lackluster results. Add organic matter such as mushroom compost often to keep soils healthy. You can also get your soil tested at your local county extension service or ask a plant professional like Central Farm and Gardening to find out what minerals it may be lacking.
Planting Out of Season
This issue is most likely to occur in spring when homeowners are in a hurry to get their gardens growing. However, this can have disastrous results — many plants, such as tomatoes, will die if planted too early in the season. Always check cultural requirements before planting out-of-doors.
Your gardening confidence will grow as you experience more success in your horticultural endeavors. Joining a local gardening club or taking an adult education class at your local community college will also help elevate your level of expertise as well as provide you with new gardening friends.
