Gardening is always existing and rewarding. However, most first-time gardens fall victim to common mistakes that either destroy their crops or garden in general. Though it is okay to make one or two mistakes and learn from them, it is advisable to understand the common gardening mistakes and ways to avoid them before setting your garden for planting.

Common gardening mistakes and how to avoid them

Doing too much

Spring is always a good season for garden lovers. The climate inspires most vegetable gardeners to do more than the usual. When you get carried away by planting different veggie types, you forget that your garden requires regular maintenance. Pro gardeners may have mastered how to deal with all the gardening duties that hit at the same time but novice gardeners are advised to start small. A few vegetable rows are easy to maintain and you get to learn their gardening requirements to make them healthy. Advanced gardeners can determine a number of vegetables to grow during one season depending on the time and energy they are able to spare for gardening.

Being too optimistic about the weather

Different crops thrive under different climatic conditions. Most people grow some plants because they like them without considering whether or not they can thrive under their areas climatic conditions. Hence, the emphasis to grow regionally adapted and native plants. However, if you must grow crops that do not thrive in your area, you must take the extra step of protecting them from the wild weather. Though loved by many gardeners, spring can be hazardous because good days alternate with cold and/or windy days. Place a cut off milk jug over spring broccoli or cabbage to prevent seedling shredding.

Misunderstanding soil

Soil is core in gardening. However, most gardeners do not understand how soil type and nutrients affect plant growth. Before planting your selected crops, it is advisable to get a soil test. The test offers basic soil information such as; the pH level, alkalinity and acidity. Next step is determining the type of soil your preferred crops thrive in. for example; vegetables do well in slightly acidic soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too acidic, add lime and sulphur for too alkaline soils. Organic matter also neutralizes soil pH.

Failing to fertilize

For plants to do well, they need three crucial nutrients; nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. To prevent soil damage, use organic fertilizers. Dry organic fertilizers offer the three nutrients and other essential nutrients such as; magnesium and calcium. Magnesium and calcium are important for growing blemish free pepper and tomatoes. Always read the labels on organic fertilizers for directions on how to apply it. Too much fertilizer may be detrimental to your soil and garden.

Gardening has become a hobby among most people. It is something you do when free and you enjoy the results within a short time. However, you must understand how to do it right. It starts by avoiding the above captioned gardening mistakes.