Identifying Errors in Garden Cultivation Leading to Plant Misfortunes (and Methods to Evade Disasters)

Identifying Errors in Garden Cultivation Leading to Plant Misfortunes (and Methods to Evade Disasters)

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dig in the dirt! Spring's arrival signifies the start of planting season, and there's no better way to save cash and show off your green thumb than growing your own garden from seeds. But before you dive headfirst into the garden, keep these common pitfalls in mind to make sure your plants sprout and thrive.

Garden Gaffes to Avoid

1. Planting seeds too early - Sowing seeds outside before the last frost can prevent them from germinating or even kill delicate seedlings once temperatures drop. Check seed packets for the recommended planting times and stick to them.
2. Using the wrong soil - Indoor novices might think they can dig up soil from outside, but it's much better to purchase a soilless mixture. Store-bought mixtures are porous, well-drained, and free of pathogens and weed seeds that can harm vulnerable seedlings.
3. Planting too deeply or not deep enough - Aim for planting seeds at a depth of 2 to 3 times the diameter of the seed. Larger seeds can go deeper while smaller seeds need a light dusting on top of the soil.
4. Labeling issues - Make sure to label your seeds as you go or prepare printable labels in advance to avoid confusion once seedlings start growing.
5. Not enough light - A windowsill might seem like the perfect spot, but weak winter light and cloudy days may not be enough. Grow lights can help provide consistent light and promote healthier seedlings.
6. Watering incorrectly - Too much water can lead to damping off, a water mold that affects young seedlings. Allow soil to dry out before watering again and avoid frequent sprinkling.
7. Not stratifying seeds - Some seeds, like milkweed, require a period of cold, moist conditions (stratification) to break dormancy and begin to grow. For this, try placing seeds in a damp paper towel, folding it into quarters, placing it in a ziplock bag, and placing it in the fridge.
8. Not hardening off seedlings - Gradually introducing seedlings to the outdoors helps them acclimate before transplanting. Begin by bringing them outside for a few hours each day once the temperatures are consistently warm.
9. Not thinning seedlings - Thinning seedlings may seem heartbreaking, but giving your stronger seedlings room to grow makes them thrive. Cut the smallest or weakest plants at ground level or transplant them to another spot.
10. Ignoring pests - Birds, chipmunks, and squirrels love to munch on seeds. Use a three-foot-high fence surrounding your garden, chicken wire, or even a mix of crushed red pepper, blood meal, or human hair to keep pests at bay.

Choosing Your Garden Challenge

Going for the easy route and waiting for warm weather to plant outside is a fine option, but sometimes you might need a little assistance—like starting tomatoes indoors, for example. Growing all your plants from seed can be incredibly rewarding, so don't let mistakes stop you from trying again!

Author

Tobey Young is a woman after our own heart, gardening enthusiast, homeschooling mom, and hobby farmer. She started her gardening journey over a decade ago and hasn't looked back since. She balances her days between freelance writing, homeschooling her kids, and tending to her farm life—all while getting the most out of her hillside hobby farm in Indiana.

1. To ensure a successful harvest, avoid planting seeds too early to prevent them from germinating or being killed by frost.
2. For the best soil for your garden, consider purchasing a soilless mixture that is porous, well-drained, and free of pathogens and weed seeds.
3. When planting seeds, aim for a depth of 2 to 3 times the diameter of the seed, with larger seeds going deeper and smaller seeds needing a light dusting.
4. To keep track of your seedlings, label them as you go or prepare printable labels in advance to avoid confusion.
5. If weak winter light and cloudy days are not sufficient, use grow lights to provide consistent light and promote healthier seedlings.
6. To prevent damping off, which is caused by too much water, allow soil to dry out before watering again and avoid frequent sprinkling.
7. Some seeds require a period of cold, moist conditions (stratification) to break dormancy and begin to grow, like milkweed. Place these seeds in a damp paper towel in a ziplock bag and place it in the fridge.
8. To help seedlings acclimate before transplanting, gradually introduce them to the outdoors by bringing them outside for a few hours each day once the temperatures are consistently warm.
9. Thinning seedlings allows stronger seedlings to grow, so remove the smallest or weakest plants at ground level or transplant them to another spot.
10. To keep pests like birds, chipmunks, and squirrels from eating your seeds, use a three-foot-high fence, chicken wire, or a mix of crushed red pepper, blood meal, or human hair.

Read also: