5 Worst Gardening Mistakes that Beginners Often Make

Do you love plants, greenery, and nature?  Is Gardening Your Hobby? Do you also feel it works as a stress-reliever?

But you know, you may be doing some worst mistakes in gardening that can harm your plants. Here, in this article, you will understand what those mistakes are and how you can avoid them.

And yes, if you haven’t started home gardening yet, then you must check this piece of writing on Terrace gardening.

So, let us proceed to know about gardening mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Improper Soil Preparation:

Soil is made up of minerals, organic matter, air, and water. And the strength of these elements is responsible for the health of the soil, and in turn health of plants. And soil should neither be acidic nor alkaline for home gardening and growing common vegetables. It should be neutral with a pH of 6 to 7.

To check the pH of soil at home, take 2 spoons of soil in a glass cup and add half a cup vinegar, if the mixture gets fizzy and bubbly, you have alkaline soil. Take another two spoons of soil in a different glass cup, add distilled water slowly (not tap water) and make a muddy mixture, after then add ½ cup baking soda, if it bubbles and fizzes, the soil is acidic. And if you didn’t get any reaction from either of the tests, then the soil is neutral.

And regular fertilizer use, pure air (by tilling), and regular watering are necessary for proper soil preparation and will be beneficial for your organic gardening.

2. Improper Spacing between the plants:

Placing your plants too close can increase plant stress, and reduce fruit production in your garden. And, it will reduce the proper flow of air, and inadequate soil fertility. Along with this, water won’t reach the roots. If you are placing your plants in the pots, then it is ok to place your plants closer but not too much closer.

So, make sure to follow the spacing requirements as per the space needed by a single plant.

3. Not using Mulch:

Mulching is a very important technique for the proper growth of plants. And this is the technique that many gardeners ignore, not knowing its importance. Mulching protects the plants from erosion, stops weeds from sprouting, and maintains the moisture in the soil. Mulching is the process of covering the soil and create favorable conditions for the growth and development of crops and better yield. The mulch you use can differ as per the climate. There are many types of mulches. It is favorable to go for organic mulching for home gardens.

After Mulching, you will require less weeding & watering, and it will improve the plant health and also more fruits. 

4. Pests and Weeds Management:

Proper knowledge about pests and insects is also important. Some worms and insects are the friends of plants, they make the soil fertile and aid in maintaining plant health. The method is called vermiculture. But some pests are the enemies of your plants. For them, proper care of plants and the use of pesticides is a must. But, the use of synthetic pesticides may harm your plants even more. Try to use organic pesticides or you can also go for the homemade pesticide.

And, as mentioned earlier, to avoid weeds, the use of mulches can help.

5. Location Selection:

This is one of the most important points that should be taken care of. Many people select the location as per their convenience. But, what w should keep in mind is plants’ convenience. Too much light, and too little light, can be harmful to the plants. Most of the plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Too much shady region is not suitable for plants.

And at last, take care of your plants as your babies. Plants can feel, so give them proper care, and spend some time with them, they work as a stress-reliever.