Tag: Gardening Mistake

Gardening Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them (Part 3)

Aug 17th, 2023

Introduction

Welcome back to Part 3 of our blog series on gardening mistakes and tips for beginners. In our previous blogs, we delved into the mishaps and lessons I’ve encountered in my gardening journey, aiming to offer insights to help you steer clear of these pitfalls. If you haven’t had the chance to catch up, you can find Part 1 and Part 2 here:

Gardening Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them (Part 1)

Gardening Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them (Part 2)

In this installment, we continue to explore my gardening adventures, uncovering the valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way. Join me as I share personal experiences and practical tips, offering you guidance to navigate your own gardening path more effectively.

Not Using a High Enough Net to Protect Plants

In a previous instalment, I stressed the importance of using protective nets to shield plants from hungry birds and pesky pests. However, a significant revelation dawned upon me: raising the netting to a sufficient height is just as crucial. To my chagrin, I underestimated my plants’ growth, leaving the net inadequately positioned. This oversight created an open invitation for pests, allowing them to lay their eggs, which in turn unleash their destructive larvae upon my crops. Learning from this since I don’t want to use any chemicals, my commitment for the future is to construct a taller net framework, ensuring comprehensive protection. In a serendipitous turn, this framework can also morph into an impromptu greenhouse—simply by swapping the net for a transparent covering.

My Broccoli growing way taller than expected

A section of damaged cabbages by pests

Using Non-Decomposable Fabric Mulch

Though fabric mulches are serviceable, my preference has shifted towards organic alternatives like grass chippings and cardboard. Unlike fabric, these materials naturally decompose, enriching the soil in the process. Fabric mulches on the other hand, demand more meticulous management and lack the flexibility to accommodate plant growth. For example when I wanted to plant more seedlings, the process of cutting the mulch in the right size and all, was just too much work. Even after opting for grass chippings as a cover, I find myself tasked with the additional chore of removal of the fabric mulch for compost application.

Delaying Tomato Pruning

A valuable lesson was underscored when I neglected the timely pruning of my tomato plants. Admittedly, I fell into the trap of assuming that intensified fertilization could compensate for the lack of pruning; and really wanted to experiment it really. This misconception translated into a chaotic profusion of offshoots and a dense foliage canopy. Consequently, my well-intentioned aim of nurturing a modest ten tomatoes per plant faced a significant setback, as the excessive growth hampered the ripening process. If I didn’t prune, each plant would have had more than 10 times that; I know newbie mistake.

Reliance on Misting System Alone

This is blog post, I wrote about how I built my misting system for my greenhouse. The efficacy of my misting system in managing temperature and hydration is undeniable. However, the journey also illuminated its limitations. The accumulation of mist on leaves occasionally precipitates drooping due to the additional weight. Moreover, the application of water droplets to leaves and their subsequent fall can result in disparate soil moisture, presenting the risk of uneven hydration or “hot-spotting”. In response, my solution involves the integration of a low-level water sprinkler, a project inspired by a developing fish pond filter system I am working on. So since I will be using some water drums for the filter, will simply have the waste supplied to the greenhouse.

Overextending Lettuce Growth

Reflecting on what I wrote in part 2 of this series, where I emphasized my alternative approach of continual leaf harvesting instead of complete uprooting for lettuce cultivation. Regrettably, I underestimated the potential for lettuce to grow to towering heights (who knew?). The unintended consequence of this exuberant growth was the emergence of a bitter taste, negating the very essence of this delightful vegetable. This experience underscores the importance of timely intervention in managing lettuce growth.

Really tall lettuce plants

Conclusion

In the tapestry of gardening, each misstep has woven valuable lessons. From adjusting net heights to guard against pests, to embracing organic mulches for sustainable growth, these experiences have illuminated the path to nurturing thriving gardens. The unwieldy growth of tomato plants reminded me of the importance of timely intervention, while the limitations of misting systems highlighted the beauty of adaptation. The bitterness of overgrown lettuce leaves underscored the significance of nature’s timing. As we close this chapter, let’s embrace these lessons, knowing that amidst challenges, gardens flourish, and life’s lessons bloom.

So what has your gardening journey been like? Do add it in the comments, and let us share our journey in this wonderful experience of growing our own food. In the mean time, do stay tuned for Part 4, where we’ll continue to share insights, experiences, and tips. Happy gardening!”
Gardening Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them (Part 2)

Jun 21st, 2023

Introduction

Welcome back to Part 2 of our blog series on gardening mistakes and tips for beginners. Last week, we did explore some of the mistakes I have made, and been making in my gardening journey, so that you could be better informed and either you avoid them or rectify them if already made them. You can read part one of the series below.

Gardening Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them (Part 1)

In this instalment, we will continue exploring the mistakes I made as a newbie gardener and the valuable lessons I learned. Join me as I share my experiences and provide tips to help you navigate your gardening journey more effectively.

Cardboard-only Mulching

I remember the first time I heard the word “mulch”. I was discussing my greenhouse’s dryness with my younger brother, a fellow gardening enthusiast (I guess it runs in the family), and then he suggested mulching as a solution. I did some research into it, and excited to find an affordable option, I decided to give cardboard mulching a try. Cardboard mulching is great, and it is even ranked better than wood chips. But little did I know that using cardboard alone had its limitations. As the cardboard got wet and dried out, it reverted to its thick state, leaving the soil exposed.

To overcome this issue, I discovered two effective solutions. The first involves shredding the cardboard into smaller pieces before using it as mulch. While this method requires extra effort (which I was honestly not in the mood of doing), it helps the cardboard integrate with the soil more effectively. The second option is layering organic matter, such as grass clippings, on top of the cardboard. Luckily I have a good space with natural growing grass, and as I lawnmowed I gathered the chippings and placed on the cardboard. This combination created an ideal mulch that retains moisture, improved soil health, and prevented weed growth. This had an added benefit, as the grass chippings help boost the Nitrogen level of the soil as it decomposes. I also noticed that a lot of micro organisms began to flourish under the mulch, which really excited me for somewhere that was so dry it was giving out dust. By adopting these techniques, you can create a nurturing environment for your plants to flourish.

Cardboard and Grass Chippings Mulch

Using Hydrophobic Soil to Plant Seeds

One of the amusing mistakes I made was unknowingly using hydrophobic soil to plant my seeds. Before I embarked on my gardening journey, I never imagined that soil could become hydrophobic. It was only when my seeds failed to germinate despite regular watering that I realized something was amiss. Upon investigation, I discovered that the soil had become water-repellent, hindering proper moisture absorption. It was strange that regardless of how I watered the soil, it never penetrated beyond 2mm into the soil.

To rectify the situation, I had to dispose of the affected soil and ensure that the new soil was thoroughly soaked before planting the seeds. For those that I had luckily planted within a big growing pot, I poured an ample amount of water into the pot and gently stirred the soil to break up any hydrophobic pockets. This had an adverse effect as the soil could become baked when dried again, but this was prevented by watering constantly. While this method worked for some seeds, it’s important to note that some seeds may have become non-viable over time and I had to dispose of some.

Harvesting Lettuce by uprooting it

One of the first crops I was privileged to harvest was Lettuce, and was very happy to do it; but in the process made a common mistake when harvesting it. I used to uproot the entire plant, not considering the long-term consequences. This led to a scarcity of lettuce, as I preferred picking fresh leaves from the garden when needed. However, I soon discovered a better approach. Instead of uprooting the lettuce, I started trimming the leaves I wanted to consume while leaving the roots intact. By adopting this method, the lettuce plants regrew their leaves, ensuring a continuous supply. For example, if I had 14 lettuce plants, by the time I finished harvesting from the 14th plant, the first plant would have replenished its leaves. Although I’m still unsure of how many times this process can be repeated, I will update you in a future blog post as I gather more information.

Harvested Lettuce already regrowing

Using Paper Growing Pots Indiscriminately

One of my experiments involved using paper growing pots, which I discovered through a YouTube video on how to effectively grow okra. The idea was to bury the entire pot in the ground when transplanting crops like okra, eliminating the need for a separate transplanting step due to its sensitive nature. However, I overlooked the importance of humidity and the challenges it posed when combined with my hydrophobic soil issue.

The paper pots dried out the soil faster and hindered the growth of my okra plants. It wasn’t until I switched back to using regular growing trays that I achieved better results. If you decide to use paper growing pots, it’s crucial to consider using it when there is high humidity levels, especially during the colder months. There could be added benefits too, as paper pots can offer better insulation than plastic pots, but they require a suitable environment to thrive and support plant growth effectively.

Underestimating the importance of the Sunlight

We have heard it said, that plants use the process of photosynthesis to convert light to chemicals that they need for their growth. I don’t think I ever really properly understood the importance of this process, and by extension sunlight in plant growth until I started gardening. I gained a deeper understanding of this fact during my gardening journey. Observing the stark difference between plants exposed to direct sunlight and those in shaded areas was a revelation. It became evident that photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce their food, heavily relies on sunlight. To ensure optimal plant growth, it’s essential to position your plants in areas where they can receive a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. Certain light-loving plants like tomatoes may require up to 8 hours. Providing adequate sunlight promotes vigorous growth, lush foliage, and bountiful harvests.

Conclusion

In this second instalment of our gardening series, I shared additional mistakes I made as a novice gardener, and provided tips I believe can help you avoid them. Remember, mulching with cardboard requires additional measures to prevent exposure and promote soil health. Be mindful of hydrophobic soil when planting seeds, and consider alternative approaches to ensure successful germination. Instead of uprooting lettuce plants, opt for trimming leaves to facilitate continuous harvests. Approach paper growing pots with caution, taking into account humidity levels and transplanting challenges. Lastly, never underestimate the importance of sunlight in your plants’ growth and productivity.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of our blog series, where I will continue to share insights, experiences, and valuable tips to help you become a more confident and successful gardener. Happy gardening!
Gardening Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them (Part 1)

Jun 14th, 2023

Introduction

Embarking on a gardening journey can be both exciting and challenging, especially for beginners. In this multi-part blog series, we will explore common (I think) newbie mistakes I have made and been making as I embark on my gardening journey and provide valuable tips I think that can help you avoid them. Let’s dive into Part 1 of the series.

Disclosure

This blog post contains affiliate links. I might earn from qualifying purchases. Please note that the use of affiliate links does not affect the price you pay for any products, and I only recommend products that I have personally used and found helpful in my gardening journey.

Not starting planting early on

When it comes to planting crops, many experts suggest starting 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. However, if you have access to a greenhouse, you could start even earlier. Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware of this and followed the general guidelines. In hindsight, I could have started as early as January or February, allowing me to enjoy a bountiful harvest by June or July.

Instead, I find myself still planting in June due to other mistakes I’ve made and still making along the way. Don’t repeat my error; if you have a greenhouse, kickstart your gardening journey ahead of time, which also allows you to fail early and learn from them. Please note that starting early may require additional care and attention, especially with regards to temperature and humidity control.

Keeping seedlings in pots for too long

Another mistake I made was keeping my seedlings in intermediate pots for an extended period of time. I usually use about 0.5 – 0.8 litre pots as my intermediate pots, but I failed to realize that these small pots restrict the growth and development of plants; this is particularly noticeable with tomatoes. To prevent stunted growth, I recommend limiting the time seedlings spend in intermediate pots to no more than a few weeks to a month maximum. If you started early in colder months, this duration can be slightly longer.

For plants intended to be grown in the greenhouse, consider moving them from the tray to the ground immediately. This advice might be different for tomatoes, as it growing a good stem length first is beneficial in an intermediate pot before transplanting to it’s permanent site; that’s a discussion for another blog. By avoiding prolonged periods in small pots, you’ll maximize growth potential and save valuable time.

Not knowing thy Tomato types

When I decided to grow tomatoes, I had no idea there were different types, particularly determinate and indeterminate varieties. I planned my greenhouse around indeterminate tomatoes; as I assumed all tomatoes grew large and long. To source my seeds, I used a fresh, tasty tomato (likely of the vine variety) purchased from Lidl. Little did I know, the tomato I selected was determinate. While this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, as I appreciated their compact size and ability to fit in smaller spaces, compared to indeterminate ones which is very useful in my case.

I also got to learn about the fact commercial growers use determinate ones more, due to compact size and they all bear fruits at the same time; so harvesting and planning is much easier. Indeterminate varieties produce fruit over a more extended growing season, making them ideal for personal greenhouse cultivation. Next time, I will ensure to use both varieties and plan my greenhouse layout accordingly to accommodate their distinct characteristics.

Determinate Tomatoes in my Greenhouse

Thinking Pigeons are harmless to your crops

As I transplanted my cabbages, cauliflower, and broccoli into the grow bed, I felt a sense of accomplishment. However, my joy was short-lived when I woke up the next morning to find most of my seedlings decapitated. Initially, I blamed a cat that frequently visited my garden for the destruction. But to my surprise, I discovered pigeons were the true culprits. Determined to protect my hard work, I initially thought of creating a scare crow but I quickly searched online and found a suitable netting solution on Amazon. I purchased it and temporarily covered my crops to deter the pigeons.

Net used to cover vegetables

Buy on Amazon

Putting net directly on your crops

While the net successfully kept the pigeons at bay, it inadvertently caused another problem: stunted vegetable growth. I mistakenly assumed that as the plants grew, they would push the net upward. However, the net’s presence exerted stress on the vegetables, hindering their growth for several weeks.

Surprisingly, only the lettuce seemed unaffected by the net’s pressure (maybe because they were already close to maturing). Other crops like cabbages, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower experienced stunted growth due to the direct contact with the net. To avoid this issue, ensure that the netting is positioned above the crops, allowing them ample space to grow naturally.

After raising the net

Conclusion

In Part 1 of this blog series, we’ve explored some common mistakes I made as a gardening newbie and shared valuable tips to help you avoid them. By starting planting early, being mindful of seedling pot transitions, understanding tomato types, and protecting your crops from pigeons while maintaining healthy growth, you’ll set yourself up for a successful gardening experience. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll continue our discussion on other crucial aspects of gardening for beginners.