The Worst Gardening Advice I Ever Followed
Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic hobby, but it can also be full of missteps and misinformation. Over the years, I’ve tried many different tips and tricks to improve my garden, some of which have turned out to be incredibly helpful.
However, just as with any area of life, I’ve also followed some advice that led to nothing but frustration, wasted time, and disappointment.
If you're just starting your gardening journey or have been at it for a while, it's essential to know which advice to ignore and avoid some common gardening mistakes.
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Let me take you through some of the worst gardening advice I’ve ever followed, so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
Overwatering Plants to Help Them Grow Faster
In my early gardening days, I was eager to see results quickly. When a plant looked a little wilted or droopy, my first instinct was to water it — and then water it some more. The advice I received suggested that overwatering would help plants grow faster. After all, plants need water, right?
Well, it turns out that overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to more harm than good. It suffocates plant roots, depletes oxygen, and promotes the growth of mold and rot.
Too much water can be more harmful than too little, causing root rot and making plants more susceptible to pests and diseases. Overwatering plants might give you the illusion of healthy growth, but in the long run, it weakens the plant's structure and health.
The best advice I now follow is to water only when the soil is dry to the touch, ensuring the roots get the right amount of moisture without drowning in it.
Using Miracle-Gro for Every Plant
We’ve all seen those commercials where plants seem to grow exponentially after being fed a dose of Miracle-Gro or other all-purpose fertilizers. I once followed this advice without hesitation, assuming that if it worked for one plant, it would work for every plant. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
While Miracle-Gro and other quick-fix fertilizers can offer a boost, using them on every plant can create an imbalance. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient overload, burning the plant’s roots and leaves, stunting growth, and creating a toxic environment for the plant. Plants like succulents or orchids don’t need heavy fertilizers, and overfeeding them can damage them.
Now, I rely on slow-release, organic fertilizers tailored to the needs of specific plants. This ensures my garden gets the right nutrients without risking over-fertilization.
Planting in the Wrong Season
Another piece of advice I followed early on was to plant as soon as I could. I eagerly rushed into planting my favorite vegetables and flowers, hoping they would flourish. But little did I know that planting out of season could spell disaster for my plants.
I learned the hard way that not all plants thrive in every season. For example, some plants, like tomatoes, need a warm growing season to truly thrive, while others, such as kale, prefer cooler temperatures. Ignoring the right planting season for each crop can result in stunted growth, poor yields, or even complete failure.
It’s vital to know your growing zone and understand the climate requirements for each plant. Patience is key — some plants do better if started indoors and then transplanted once the conditions are right. Now, I take the time to check planting schedules and ensure I’m giving my plants the best chance by planting them in their ideal season.
Pruning Everything in Sight
A well-pruned garden can look neat, and the idea of cutting away dead growth is undoubtedly appealing. Unfortunately, I followed the advice of pruning everything in sight, no matter the plant or the time of year. It was a mistake that cost me some of my favorite plants.
Pruning too aggressively or at the wrong time can shock plants and inhibit their growth. Some plants require specific pruning techniques to encourage blooming, while others need to be left alone to grow naturally. For example, spring-flowering shrubs should only be pruned after they finish blooming, not before, or you risk cutting off next season’s flowers.
Instead of pruning everything, I now take a more strategic approach to cutting back. I learn about each plant's needs and make sure to prune only when necessary, following the proper techniques to encourage strong, healthy growth.
Planting Too Close Together
In my early gardening days, I thought the more plants I squeezed into a garden bed, the better. I followed advice that said crowding plants together would help maximize space and give me a fuller garden. However, this crowded arrangement ended up stunting growth and inviting pests.
When plants are too close together, they compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients, which can result in weak growth and increased vulnerability to disease. Additionally, crowding can restrict airflow, creating a damp, humid environment that attracts pests like aphids and mildew.
Now, I make sure to space plants according to their recommended distance, allowing them room to grow, spread, and thrive. Not only does this help each plant reach its full potential, but it also reduces the need for excessive maintenance, as plants are less likely to become diseased.
Ignoring Soil Health
I was once given the advice that any soil would do as long as I added some fertilizer. After all, fertilizers can improve plant growth, right? But what I didn’t know was that soil health is the foundation of any healthy garden. Neglecting soil health meant I was fighting an uphill battle the entire time.
Soil is not just dirt — it’s a complex ecosystem that needs to be in top condition for plants to thrive. Ignoring the need for organic matter and proper pH levels can lead to poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, and unhealthy plant roots. The soil quality affects everything, from water retention to the plant's ability to absorb nutrients.
Now, I focus on amending my soil regularly with compost and organic material, ensuring it has the right pH balance and a healthy mix of nutrients. I also test the soil to understand what it needs before I add fertilizers or amendments. Healthy soil equals healthier plants, and it’s the foundation of a successful garden.
Relying on Pesticides for Pest Control
When I first encountered pests in my garden, the advice I received was simple: spray everything with pesticides. Pesticides can kill off pests quickly, but they also come with significant drawbacks. Overusing them can harm beneficial insects, pollute the environment, and even contaminate your crops.
Instead of reaching for the pesticide bottle, I now take a more integrated approach to pest control, using natural solutions like companion planting, introducing beneficial insects, or using homemade sprays. This method helps to keep my garden in balance, avoiding harm to helpful insects while still managing pests effectively.
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Last update on 2025-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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