5 Common Gardening Errors Nearly Everyone Makes

Gardening can be incredibly exciting. While it demands effort, the rewards are well worth it. However, whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, or ornamental plants, cultivating a garden requires months of patience. If you make a mistake, it might mean waiting until next season, which can be disappointing. By recognizing common gardening missteps, you can reduce the chances of repeating them. Here are five common gardening errors—and tips on how to avoid them.

Crowding Plants Too Closely

Sara Bendrick, landscape contractor and Stihl USA spokesperson, explains that planting plants too close together means they won't have enough space to grow properly. “We all know that plants grow and we usually read the label before purchasing, but somehow, they often get planted too closely, leading to more maintenance. Many typical shrubs are designed to grow three to five feet tall and wide, yet we end up planting them too close or along a path, which leads to unnecessary pruning, shearing, or extra work,” she shares.

When adding a new plant to your garden, don’t hesitate to use a tape measure or ruler to ensure the correct spacing. Refer to the plant's care tag and trust that it will likely reach its full size in terms of width and height.

Overplanting Various Plant Types

It’s natural to be excited about growing your garden, but choosing what to plant can sometimes be challenging. However, Bendrick suggests that buying too many different plants isn’t always the best approach for a visually appealing yard. “While planting a variety of plants can be artistic, most of us would benefit from selecting a consistent plant palette and repeating it throughout the garden. When your garden is full of too many different ‘main characters’ or mismatched colors, textures, and looks, it can quickly become overwhelming or chaotic,” she advises.

Instead, Bendrick recommends selecting five to ten types of plants based on your yard size and grouping them in clusters. “This creates a stronger visual impact, especially from a distance, and results in a cleaner, more cohesive, and natural appearance for your yard.”

Choosing Fast-Growing Trees

Sometimes it can feel like growing a garden takes forever. However, Bendrick points out that choosing fast-growing trees isn’t always the best option in the long run. “Fast-growing trees are appealing for their immediate results, as they are often larger when you buy them, but they may cause more problems down the line if you don't plan for their full growth potential. We often see clients choose these trees, but it usually means extra maintenance, as you'll need to prune and trim them constantly to maintain their size and shape,” she explains.

Remember the classic saying: slow and steady wins the race.

Overwatering and Underwatering

The correct amount of water is essential for any plant's survival, says Marvin Magusara, co-founder of Retaining Wall Supplies. “Underwatering can put unnecessary stress on plants. Understand the specific water needs of your plants and check the soil moisture before watering. The key is to water deeply, but less frequently, which helps promote deeper root growth.”

Overusing Pesticides

Although no one wants harmful pests in their garden, excessive use of pesticides can lead to other issues down the line. “Overapplying chemicals can harm beneficial insects, create resistance in pests, and damage both plant health and soil. Instead, try using organic and natural solutions, and focus on preventative strategies like companion planting and attracting natural predators,” he advises.