Gardening Mistakes

By Kymisha Montgomery, CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator

As a gardener, I've had my share of learning opportunities—otherwise known as mistakes! But I think that’s where the joy in gardening lies. Mistakes teach you what works and what to do differently next year. I’m no expert, but over time and through education as well as trial and error, I consider myself a pro. Here are some of the mistakes I've made in my years of growing food.

Not Properly Preparing the Soil before Planting

This can significantly impact the health and growth of your plants by not providing them with the necessary nutrients and drainage. Amending the soil with organic matter can also help loosen up the compacted clay we have here in Cincinnati, which will give the roots a chance to spread more easily and access more nutrients and water.

Improper Watering

This is one of the most common mistakes for gardeners. Although it may seem minor, the impact on your plants can be major. Water is the key component of plant cells, allowing then to expand and maintain their structure. It helps the plant absorb nutrients through their roots and transport them throughout the plant. Inconsistent or improper watering can affect the yield and quality of your crops and fruit.

Improper Spacing

It’s easy to underestimate how big your plant is going to get. Always do your research on how tall or wide the plant will be at maturity! Proper spacing is crucial because it allows each plant to access the sunlight, water and nutrients it needs without competing with neighboring plants. Allowing air to circulate between plants also helps prevent fungal diseases and pests from spreading rapidly throughout your garden.

Not Feeding My Plants Appropriately

Not all plants need to same amount or type of fertilizer. Different plants have different nutrient needs. Applying the wrong fertilizer can lead to stunted growth, reduced yield and even plant damage. Nutrient needs vary between plant families and species. For example, leafy greens in the Brassica family need more nitrogen than beans and peas.

Not Labeling My Plants

Labeling your plants not only is a tool to remember what you planted and where, but it also helps you care for the crop better! It allows you to identify its needs—like sunlight exposure, harvest time or growth requirements. Remember, not all related plants look the same, behave the same, or work well together.

We may never stop making mistakes in our gardening—but we always have the choice to learn from them!