Here’s What Not To Do When Starting Your Garden
Gardening can be a wonderfully rewarding past time. You can create your own little piece of paradise to relax in and if you’re growing food, you will also have the opportunity to be a little bit self-sufficient too.
However, there are some mistakes you’ll want to avoid, to give yourself the best results:
#1: Don’t choose the wrong grass seed
All grass seed is equal, right? Wrong! Learn what is inside the grass seed bag before you buy, as some grass seeds are better for certain soil types and climates, and some are better for shaded areas of your garden. Commit to research before buying and talk to the people at your local garden store if you’re in any doubt. With the right grass seed, you will have a beautiful lawn in no time, perfect for playing on and welcoming beneficial insects into your space.
#2: Don’t plant before preparing the soil
Your plants need nutrients to thrive and they get these from the soil. If your soil quality is poor, your plants will struggle to grow. So, do what you can to improve the health of your soil before you get to work as you will then avoid disappointment later. These soil preparation tips are a good place to start but continue your research online to learn more.
#3: Don’t overcrowd your plants
Have you ever experienced discomfort when sitting on a crowded tube? If so, you will know how your plants will feel when they are situated too closely together! If you place plants too close together they will struggle to breathe because of reduced air circulation and reduced exposure to the sun. Consequently, they can weaken and be more prone to disease or pest attack. Again, take note of the instructions given on the seed packet and plant accordingly. If you are short on space, remember that it is also possible to grow indoors, so don’t be tempted to cram everything you want to grow in one place.
#4: Don’t grow foods your family won’t want to eat
There are all kinds of foods you can grow to eat but you need to remember your family’s preferences. While it’s tempting to grow any food that looks colourful and enticing, you will only be wasting your time if your family members turn their noses up at what you present to them on their dinner plates. Of course, you will want your family to eat healthily but it’s better to grow those fruits and vegetables that you know they will enjoy. So, be choosy about what you plant. This way, you won’t waste space in your garden or put all your hard work into cultivating plants that might get wasted.
#5: Don’t make mistakes when watering your plants
Plants need water to survive but not as much as you might think. When the soil is too wet, the roots of plants can rot which can cause plants to die. Watering at the wrong time of day can also prove problematic. If you water your plants in the heat of the day the water can evaporate before your plants can soak it up. And if you water your plants at night, the dampness might lead to fungus problems. Whoever knew watering plants could be this complicated! Thankfully, there is plenty of advice online, including these do’s and don’ts of watering plants. Be sure to check the information on the back of your plant seed packets too, as they will give specific watering information for the particular plants you intend to grow.
#6: Don’t worry about all bugs
Yes, some bugs are bad for your garden, so you will need to keep them away as much as possible. However, you don’t need to worry about every little creature that makes their way into your garden, as some can actually help you keep out those insects that are harmful. There are also those insects, such as bees and ladybirds, that will pollinate your garden, so it’s good to attract rather than repel them. Check out these tips on identifying good and bad bugs and react to each bug you find accordingly.
While there is a lot more to say about successful gardening, this basic tips will get you well on the way to a space you can feel proud of!