Each year many gardeners ask themselves “What did I do wrong?” Don’t make the same mistakes twice. Here are the most common gardening mistakes and how to avoid them.

1] Choosing the wrong location – Depending on where the location is, most of these mistakes have an easy fix with a little effort and do not need to be re-located.

2] Pulling flowers instead of weeds – There’s a reason plants come with labels; use them!

3] Not preparing the soil – soil is different in each region, but you should test it annually because of varying weather conditions from year to year. Purchase an inexpensive soil test kit from the hardware store and then fix what you need to.

4] Too much watering – Watering plants too much drowns the roots which creates root rot. Watering too little, dehydrates plants. The best cure for this is to invest in a mid-priced self-irrigation system. It adjust watering levels automatically.

5] Planting an unruly variety – Some plants, no matter what you do, you just can’t get rid of. These types are best for container gardening. Keep an eye on the description of the plants before you purchase. Prolific reseeder and vigorous growth most likely mark an invasive plant.

6] Not considering wildlife – From squirrels to deer, even dogs. Install a fence around your veggie garden to help keep unwanted visitors out.

7] Too little sun – Make sure and pay attention to sun needs of plants when laying out your garden. Some plants, like tomatoes, need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Other plants such as peas need more shade.

8] Planting too many seeds – If you plan on planting larger vine type plants, go easy on the seeds. Although you don’t feel as if it’s enough, remember how large the outcome of these plants can get. Pumpkins and watermelons are two culprits.

9] Drowning plants in pesticide – Pesticides can remain in soil for long periods of time, some even years! The best way to clear up weeds is to use a natural, organic weed killer or mix equal parts of hot water and vinegar and pour over the area for a few days until the plants turn brown.

10] Too close for comfort – Planting too close together can deform your plants and sometimes strangle the life out of them. Follow the directions on the plants on how exactly to plant them.

What is your best advice for easy gardening?
Have fun and happy gardening!