Here’s 10 most common vegetable gardening mistakes.
1. Taking On Too Much
Just as a new cook should not take on a dinner for twelve, new gardeners should limit either the size of the garden or the length of their plant lists. A small garden is fun because you can keep up with the details while learning about your site and soil. Then expand gradually as more plants capture your interest. If you’re looking at a large site, divide the growing season into three parts – spring, summer, and autumn – and grow three crops in each subseason. For example, you might grow potatoes, peas and salad greens in spring, beans, tomatoes and cucumbers in summer, and end the year with broccoli, kale and watermelon radishes.
2. Being Overly Optimistic About the Weather
Beautiful spring days lull us into thinking that only happy days are ahead, but then the wind starts blowing cold, or maybe a spring thunderstorm sends down hail that lays plants flat. Most gardeners are also weather addicts, accustomed to carrying the ten-day forecast around in their heads, because cloches, row covers, or wind-taming tunnels must be in place before they are needed.
3. Confusion About Soil
I’m now used to seeing pictures sent by new gardeners of plants that are undernourished and overwatered, and often deprived of light, too. The gardeners usually did the right things, amending the soil with bagged organic amendments, but that is only step one. Rich, fertile soil is created gradually, as fungi and other soil inhabitants build their invisible cities underfoot. Meantime, prepare the soil with a balanced organic fertilizer and a heaped helping of compost every time you plant anything.
4. Growing Heat-Sensitive Crops in Containers
Many new gardeners think that growing vegetables in containers is easier than growing them in the ground, which is simply not true. Containers always have a dwarfing effect on plants, and container-grown plants need constant watering and feeding. Root temperatures in containers fluctuate daily, and cool-season plants especially get upset when their roots get too warm. This does not happen in deeply dug or mulched beds, where soil temperatures are more constant. On the plus side, plants that like warm roots such as peppers and eggplant may grow better in containers where summers are cool.
5. Giving Up Too Soon
Every new endeavor involves a learning curve, and gardening in no different. Give yourself time to learn the best practices to follow, study up on your favorite plants, and network with other gardeners to learn about crops and varieties that grow well in your area. The garden is a great teacher. In a few seasons, you’ll go from being a newbie to an old hand.
6. Overfertilizing
Garden vegetables need lots of nutrients in order to grow strong and healthy, but there’s no guarantee that they will absorb those extra goodies.
Plants only take up what they need; fertilizers are slow-working (unless you use quick release), so don’t blindly follow any advice given about adding more fertilizer without checking with your local garden center first!
Soil testing is the only way to be positive that your garden needs fertilizer. Once you decide what it will take for optimum growth, consider using some organic options like manure or compost in addition to mineral supplements such as lime and magnesium sulfate.
7. Using Synthetic Fertilizer
Not all fertilizers are created equal. You should avoid using synthetic ones because they contain chemicals that are harmful to plants, and natural composts like those found at your local garden center provide a healthier alternative with more nutrients than chemical-based formulas.
8. Ignoring Weeds
Unfortunately, weeds are everywhere and they can quickly turn your garden into a jungle. Weeds compete with crops for nutrients as well moisture in the soil which is why it’s important not only to control them but also get rid of any unwanted seeds before planting anything new!
You might assume that allowing one weed to remain where it is and then setting seed isn’t the end of your world, but you will find yourself combating this problem for years.
That’s why it is crucial to eliminate weeds as soon as you spot them.
Mulch is your best friend when it comes to fighting weeds. Rather than using chemical herbicides, use a sharp spade or shovel and dig up those pesky roots!
9. Forgetting to Improve the Soil
Garden vegetables need plenty of nutrients to grow and produce fruit, so it’s important to give them good soil. The best way to improve your soil is to work in several inches of rotted manure, compost, or shredded leaves in the early spring. Allow the ground to dry out before working in organic matter. Test soil moisture by squeezing a handful in your palm. If it forms a tight ball, it’s too wet, but if it’s easy to tease apart, then it’s ready.
10. Ignoring Pests
Insect populations can quickly get out of hand, so it’s best to keep them under control from the start. Look for signs of pests by examining the tops and bottoms of leaves and looking over plants once a week. Remove any pests you see as soon as possible. Planting flowers among your vegetables is a great way to attract beneficial insects that feed on unwanted pests.