7 Things Master Gardeners Want New Gardeners to Stop Doing (And 20 Tips to Do Instead)

Overwatering

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Ignoring Soil Health

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Planting Too Close

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Using Chemicals Blindly

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Neglecting Sun Needs

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Starting Big

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Forgetting Maintenance

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7 Things Master Gardeners Want New Gardeners to Stop Doing (And 20 Tips to Do Instead)

Overwatering

Drowning plants kills roots—check soil moisture first. Tips: Water deeply but infrequently; use a moisture meter; let soil dry slightly between sessions.

Ignoring Soil Health

Skipping soil prep stunts growth—test it annually. Tips: Add compost; mulch yearly; rotate crops; avoid compaction.

Planting Too Close

Crowding chokes plants—space per seed packets. Tips: Thin seedlings; follow spacing guides; prune for airflow; plan layouts.

Using Chemicals Blindly

Overuse harms pollinators—go organic when possible. Tips: Try neem oil; use companion planting; encourage ladybugs; hand-pick pests.

Neglecting Sun Needs

Wrong light flops crops—match plants to exposure. Tips: Map sun patterns; shade heat-sensitive plants; grow sun-lovers in open spots.

Starting Big

– Huge gardens overwhelm—begin small and scale up. Tips: Start with pots; try raised beds; focus on 3-5 plants; master basics first. –

Forgetting Maintenance

Weeds and dead leaves invite trouble—stay consistent. Tips: Weed weekly; deadhead flowers; stake tall plants; clean tools.