If you read through some of these mistakes and say, “Oh, that's me!” then don't feel disappointed! It's easy to overlook the simple things sometimes. In this case, if you've been successfully gardening a particular way for an extended period of time, it's understandable that you would skip certain steps or take fewer precautions. After all, you're a pro! Hopefully, these are reminders to double-check your gardening activities.

If you're on the other end of spectrum and just beginning to garden, taking a look at these mistakes will ensure that your garden begins on a strong foundation. You can then integrate the tips and tricks into your own gardening routine.

5 Common Gardening Mistakes

1. Not reading seed packages

Maybe you’ve been sowing seeds directly — seeds that would really benefit from being started earlier indoors (like broccoli, which needs to mature before the hottest days of summer or it will bolt). Or maybe you’ve been planting your seeds a little too deeply and as a result, your germination rate is low. Reading seed packages can save time and money. It’s worth it.

2. Forgetting to label

Keeping track of how different varieties perform can help us decide whether to grow the same ones next year; and if so, if there is anything that we can change that might optimize their growth.

Don’t forget to label!

3. Not watering properly

Start by making sure your potting mix is thoroughly wet, but not soaking, before you even plant. Purchased potting mix is often quite dry. Put some in a container, add water, stir, and let it sit for a little while to absorb moisture before you start planting.

Once planted, it’s best to water by misting the pots, rather than using a watering can, as a heavier stream of water can disturb the soil and dislodge seeds. Let the soil dry out just a little between waterings. If the soil is too moist, the seeds and seedlings will be more susceptible to mold, fungus, disease, and rot.

4. Starting seeds too early

A general guideline is to start seeds 4-6 weeks prior to your local last frost date; however, some herbs and vegetables can be started 8-10 weeks prior.

5. Not cleaning and sterilizing equipment

A quick rinse with the garden hose last summer was not adequate to ready your supplies for this spring.

It’s about more than just cleanliness; disease and fungi can lurk on dirty equipment. All it takes is one fungal-borne disease that can kill off your seedlings. If you’re reusing any equipment this spring, start by sterilizing everything in one part bleach to 10 parts water.

Have you made any other common gardening mistakes? Let us know in the comments below!

Article Source: Off The Grid News