Quite often gardening is all about trial and error, seeing what works and experimenting with different ideas. But when things go wrong it can be frustrating, particularly if you’ve invested lots of time or money in different plants that don’t thrive. So, while it’s fun to experiment, a little planning can help avoid costly mistakes. Here are some of the most common gardening mistakes and how to avoid them:
Choosing the wrong plants
Every garden has its very own micro-climate. Many different factors can affect how plants will grow in your garden from the temperature to soil conditions and the amount of shade. Before you rush out and buy plants, take the time to analyse your garden and the soil conditions. This way, you can choose the plants that will have the very best chance of growing well, rather than simply choosing the ones that look nice.
Also remember to choose plants that will fit in with your style of gardening. If you’re a busy professional who can only spare a little time each day, it’s best to choose plants that will look after themselves rather than ones that need constant attention.
Planting at the wrong time
Do your research before planting seeds or seedlings. There’s usually a small window of opportunity for getting the best results from new plants and it pays to plant them at the right time. Check the seed packets or have a look online to determine which month is best to plant your seeds.
Failing to water
It’s easy to forget to water your plants, particularly when you’re busy. But one sunny afternoon is all it takes to kill off young seedlings or small plants. Try to build watering into your daily routine or invest in automatic watering systems to help when you can’t get into the garden.
Remember, different plants have different needs when it comes to watering so make sure you know which plants need more and which need less. Plants are as likely to suffer as a result of over-watering as under-watering.
Underestimating pests
Slugs, snails, flies and other pests are the enemies of gardeners everywhere and you need a good plan to keep a step ahead of the nasties. Have a supply of pest repellents in your shed ready to use – choose natural products or homemade remedies wherever possible to protect the eco-system in your garden.
Forgetting to harvest
When all the hard work is done, there is nothing better than seeing a wonderful crop of fresh fruit or vegetables ready to pick. When your plants get to this stage, it’s important to check them daily and pick any ripe fruits and veggies. Left too long, they can quickly rot, putting all your hard work to waste.
Taking on too much
Many first-time gardeners underestimate how much work is involved in keeping on top of a productive garden. In your first year, it’s a good idea to start small and build up rather than trying to do too much in one go.
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