Common Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

There’s nothing more satisfying than a beautiful garden you helped create – one that may also produce fresh herbs and veggies to add to your meals. And gardening can be a great form of exercise and a good source of vitamin D, as long as you have enough experience under your sun hat to reap the desired benefits of your labor. 

Seemingly small missteps – planting your basil before that final unseasonable chill – can be hard to reverse and ruin all of your hard work. That’s why it helps to be aware of these all-to-common common planting pitfalls.

Overcrowding – and Generally Misjudging the Proper Distance Between Plants 

That eagerness to have a full, colorful garden often leads people down the wrong path. All those beauties will need space to grow and spread their roots. As a rule, you’ll want to leave roughly two to three feet between plants, although the proper distance depends on the individual plant. 

Think of your garden plot as a canvas. Too little distance between plantings and the results may be initially beautiful, until leaves and petals start crowding one another later in the season. This mistake can also impact their ability to get sufficient sun and water. Homeowners should start by imagining their ideal garden, comprising a gorgeous mix of their favorite flowers and foliage, but it will take a landscaping specialist with years of experience to bring that fantasy to life.

Failing to Interplant, or Combine Varieties of Plants and FLowers

It’s common to plant only one type of plant or flower together, but doing so can make gardens look a bit dull. Pairing companion plants together is actually encouraged and will bring much more interesting and visually pleasing results. This practice can also include interspersing taller with shorter varieties – but too tall and some will overshadow others and block out sun. When done right, some horticulturists believe there are side benefits to this practice, such as encouraging beneficial pollinators. 

Misunderstanding Planting Depth, Growth and Placement

Planting flowers, bushes and trees either too deep or shallow can have serious consequences, ones that might be impossible to correct after the fact. Seedlings are tricky because they require a lot of space and can take more time to fully grow. 

Take the task of growing a single tomato plant. Here are just some of the steps (and information) needed for this seemingly simple task:

1. Select a variety of seeds – whether ones pollinated by insects and wind, or a controlled pollination variety.
2. Find an appropriately sized plot or container for your variety.
3. What’s your pest situation? Certain critters can be a huge deterrent to planting tomatoes, another important consideration in the where and how of your approach.
4. Ascertain the days to maturity in your region’s growing season.
5. Sow seeds at the right time – for instance, just after your last expected spring frost date.
6. Determine how much light it will need.
7. Choose the best potting mix or soil for your needs.
8. As stated above, seeds must be transplanted with the right depth and technique.
9. Provide adequate water and air circulation without overwatering. There are different irrigation methods for different plants, so you’ll want to consider those, as well.
10. Include support structures for taller varieties. 
11. Don’t forget to feed it! For instance, with a slow-release fertilizer over a period of weeks.

Now multiply the necessary steps, knowledge and horticulture expertise by the varieties of plants. You get the picture. Sometimes it makes sense to hand off the complicated work of gardening and landscaping to experienced pros, while taking on smaller, day-to-day elements so that you’re also cultivating what you can.

Improper Watering and Irrigation

Overwatering and underwatering can be equally destructive to a garden. A variety of factors – from local climate and soil drainage to the depth of a plant’s roots – will all determine how much water a simple plant is going to need. It’s common for folks to apply the same amount of water to everything, when some will require much more or less than others. This is also why it’s important to know which varieties are better to place next to one another. 

Contact Qualified, Full-Service Landscaper for Gardening Design & Routine Maintenance 

Getting seeds in the ground is just one step. Too many people learn the hard way that gardening is a complex and lengthy process that relies on both art and science to get the job done right. 

With over 60 years of experience, Schmechtig Landscapes will ensure your garden is designed, planted and maintained for the best possible results. We provide each client with individualized attention so they get the outdoor solution they truly want. Visit Schmechtig Landscapes online to find out more about our services, or call us today to get started!