You have been a long-time gardener, but it boggles you to see the same problems happening over and over.
The plants die and never gave any fruit or vegetable, a weed keeps popping out of nowhere or some of the young plants and flowers never bloom.
Find out the common gardening mistakes that you may have missed.
Overwatering and Under Watering
Just like humans, plants drown with overwatering and dehydrate with under watering. Unless they are still seedlings, water the plants with developed root systems at periodic intervals. And then, gradually increase the frequency of water to condition the plants and avoid wilting under the sun.
You can also invest in irrigation systems so you can program the watering schedule and the appropriate amount of water your plants need. But if this option seems costly, the simple alternative is monitoring the soil moisture and manual watering as required. Grab a handful and if it is rock hard, it needs watering; if you squeeze it together forming a ball, it has enough water.
Neglecting the soil
When the soil is damp, the seedlings go deep into it, and if it is dry their roots cannot penetrate the soil as it becomes too hard. It is advisable to re-dig the garden beds and add compost to make the soil loose so the roots can easily penetrate. Raised garden beds are also a better option if you cannot do deeper diggings and it can also improve the drainage system for the plants.
Soil conditions are prone to fluctuations due to rainfall, runoff and lack of drainage. Regularly check its pH level and amend it from time to time. And then add compost or manure fertilisers, particularly to vegetable beds, to produce high-quality fruit and veg.
Sunny or Shady Most vegetables such as tomato, chilli and eggplant grow best in areas with constant sunlight. Clear an area for your vegetable patch and research what plants will grow best in it, whether it be a sun loving veg or, like peas and lettuces, ones that can survive in shady areas.
Protection from Weeds
Be wary of the weather when using herbicides to remove weeds. It is best to use them during sunny and windless days to avoid the chemicals drifting to your plants through wind and water. For a safer option, you can use a mix of hot water and vinegar. Keep pouring them on the weeds’ roots until they turn brown and wilt.
Making mistakes gives you a chance to learn something new and as gardening styles keep evolving, the most common mistakes will serve as guidance to other aspiring gardeners.
