Garden Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making
Posted by Jessie Jacobson on Jul 14th 2025
Garden Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making
Even the most seasoned green thumbs can make gardening missteps without realizing it. Whether you're nurturing houseplants, growing veggies, or cultivating a lush backyard escape, it's easy to fall into habits that do more harm than good. Don’t worry—we’re here to gently uncover some of the most common (and sneaky!) garden mistakes and help you grow with confidence.
1. Watering on Autopilot
It’s tempting to set a schedule—Tuesdays and Fridays, right? But plants don’t always follow calendars. Overwatering and underwatering are both top culprits behind unhappy plants. Instead of sticking to a rigid schedule, check the soil moisture regularly. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil—if it's dry, it’s time to water!
💡 Tip: Early morning watering is best, especially in outdoor gardens. It allows leaves to dry and reduces the risk of disease.
2. Ignoring the Soil Situation
Think of soil as the foundation of your garden. Many gardeners overlook soil quality, but using the wrong type can lead to poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, and stunted growth.
3. Overcrowding Your Plants
We get it—plant shopping is addictive. But squeezing too many plants into one space leads to poor airflow, competition for nutrients, and more pest problems.
💡 Tip: Follow spacing recommendations on plant tags or seed packets, and resist the urge to "fill every inch." Give your garden room to breathe!
4. Not Feeding Your Plants (or Overfeeding)
Plants, like people, need food to grow strong—but too much fertilizer can do more harm than good. Over-fertilizing can burn roots and encourage weak, leggy growth.
💡 Tip: Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer, and follow directions carefully. A little goes a long way!
5. Ignoring Light Requirements
It’s easy to misjudge how much sun a space actually gets. A “full sun” plant in partial shade won’t thrive—and vice versa.
💡 Tip: Track sunlight in your garden or home over a full day. Consider using a light meter or taking photos morning to evening to get a better sense of conditions.
6. Letting Weeds Get the Upper Hand
Weeds compete with your plants for water, nutrients, and space. Plus, they can host pests and diseases. Even just a few can quickly get out of control.
💡 Tip: Stay ahead with regular weeding, and apply mulch to smother weeds and keep soil moist.
7. Forgetting the Power of Native Plants
Many gardeners are drawn to exotic or trendy plants, but native plants are often better suited to your region’s climate and beneficial for local pollinators.
💡 Tip: Mix native plants into your garden for low-maintenance beauty and a healthy ecosystem boost!
Grow Smarter, Not Harder!
Gardening is about learning, experimenting, and getting your hands a little dirty. Mistakes happen—and that’s okay! Each misstep is an opportunity to grow (literally and figuratively). Whether you're tending to houseplants, veggie beds, or a vibrant pollinator garden, remember that nature is forgiving, and your plants are resilient.
Need help turning your garden around? Visit us at Tonkadale or email hello@tonkadale.com—our greenhouse experts are always here to help you thrive.