In 2018, Americans spent over $50 billion on lawns and gardens.1 While gardening is a beloved pastime, some common practices can unintentionally harm plants, wildlife, and the environment.
Urban home gardens play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, but certain gardening habits can have negative impacts, which means a huge waste of your hard-earned money.
Here are 10 gardening tips and tricks that may be doing more harm than good. By understanding these practices and making informed choices, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that benefits both your plants and the ecosystem as a whole.
1. Using Chemicals Indiscriminately
Many gardeners reach for chemical pesticides and fertilizers to solve their garden woes, but improper use can have devastating consequences.
Broad-spectrum insecticides can kill beneficial insects along with pests, disrupting the delicate ecosystem balance in your garden.
Overusing fertilizers, even organic ones, can lead to nutrient runoff that pollutes waterways and harms aquatic life. Instead, opt for targeted, organic pest control methods and apply fertilizers sparingly based on soil tests and plant needs.
2. Planting Non-Native Species
While exotic plants can add visual interest to your garden, they can also become invasive, outcompeting native species and altering local ecosystems. Non-native plants may not provide the proper food and shelter for native wildlife, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
Choose native plants adapted to your region’s climate and soil conditions for a more sustainable, low-maintenance garden that supports local fauna. Consult with your local extension office or native plant society for guidance on selecting the best native species for your area.
3. Overwatering Your Plants
Many gardeners believe that more water equals healthier plants, but overwatering can be just as detrimental as underwatering. Excessive moisture can lead to root rot, fungal growth, and nutrient leaching.
Instead of watering on a fixed schedule, check soil moisture levels and water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and water waste.
4. Tilling Your Soil Excessively
While tilling can help loosen compacted soil and incorporate organic matter, repeated tilling year after year can destroy soil structure and disrupt beneficial microorganisms. Excessive tilling can also lead to soil erosion and reduced water retention.
Embrace no-till or minimal-till gardening techniques, such as sheet mulching or lasagna gardening, to build healthy soil without disrupting its natural structure. Add organic matter through compost, cover crops, and mulch to improve soil fertility and texture over time.
5. Planting Too Early in the Season
Eager gardeners often fall victim to the temptation of planting too early in the spring, exposing tender seedlings to frost damage and stunted growth. Even if plants survive, they may never fully recover from the early stress.
Pay attention to your local frost dates and resist the urge to plant heat-loving crops until the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Use season extension techniques like row covers, cold frames, or cloches to protect early plantings from unexpected cold snaps.
6. Neglecting Soil Health
Many gardeners focus solely on the plants above ground, overlooking the crucial role of healthy soil in supporting plant growth. Poor soil structure, nutrient deficiencies, and imbalanced pH levels can all hinder plant development.
Invest in building healthy soil by adding organic matter, conducting soil tests to identify nutrient needs, and avoiding practices that damage soil structure. Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving, resilient garden.
7. Improper Pruning Techniques
Pruning is essential for maintaining plant health and shape, but improper techniques can cause more harm than good. Pruning at the wrong time of year, making cuts in the wrong location, or removing too much foliage can stress plants and invite disease.
Learn the proper pruning techniques and timing for each plant species in your garden. Use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts at the correct angle and location, and avoid over-pruning, which can weaken plants and reduce their ability to photosynthesize.
8. Ignoring Companion Planting Principles
Planting incompatible species together can lead to competition for resources, increased pest pressure, and reduced yields. Ignoring companion planting principles means missing out on the benefits of symbiotic relationships between plants.
Research companion planting combinations that offer mutual benefits, such as pest control, nutrient sharing, or improved pollination. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can repel nematodes, while pairing nitrogen-fixing legumes with heavy feeders like squash can improve soil fertility.
9. Relying on Folklore Remedies
While some folklore remedies, like using eggshells to deter slugs or planting marigolds to repel pests, may have a grain of truth, others can be ineffective or even harmful. Relying on unproven methods can waste time and resources while neglecting evidence-based solutions.
Before trying any folklore remedy, research its efficacy and potential drawbacks. Consult with reputable gardening resources, such as university extension offices or scientific journals, to separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions for your garden.
10. Neglecting Soil Testing
Many gardeners assume that adding fertilizer will solve any soil deficiencies, but without proper soil testing, they may be applying the wrong nutrients or creating imbalances that hinder plant growth. Soil testing is essential for understanding your garden’s unique needs.
Conduct soil tests every few years to determine pH levels, nutrient content, and organic matter percentage. Use the results to guide your fertilization and soil amendment strategies, ensuring that your plants receive the optimal balance of nutrients for healthy growth.
By avoiding these common gardening pitfalls and embracing evidence-based practices, you can cultivate a thriving, sustainable garden that works in harmony with nature. Remember, the key to successful gardening lies in continuous learning, observation, and adaptation.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.