Top 5 Mistakes Beginner Gardeners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Hey Frenn! If you’re new to gardening, it’s easy to make some common beginner gardening mistakes that can hinder your progress.

If you’re new to gardening and unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Many beginner gardeners often make simple but costly beginner gardening mistakes that can hold back their growth — literally. In this post, I will walk through 5 of the most common beginner gardening mistakes new gardeners face and how to easily fix them.

I was just looking at my old Facebook posts and years ago I had started my first garden. I couldn’t believe it. I was so excited about my little garden space and my growth. My friend and I were supposed to be doing it together but after maybe three weeks it became my own. It has been on ever since.

But like any beginner, I made a lot of beginner gardening mistakes. Here’s 5 common mistakes and ways to avoid them.

Beginner Gardening Mistake #1: Planting Too Early #1: Planting Too Early

Gardening in Chicago, or more specifically zone 6A, is tough. All around the country are gardeners who have full harvests and we are still wearing our jackets trying to make it through the season. A few weeks ago people were FULLY justified in wearing their furs. Think about it — if you are cold outside, how long does it take for the ground to warm up? As much as you want to get started… WAIT.

Fix It Tip: Know your gardening zone.

Knowing your gardening zone will allow you to plant your seeds or starters when the earth is ready and warmed up. It takes a long time for the earth to receive the rays from the sun, transmute that into warmth, and hold the temperature long enough to support a seed/starter plant. I know I know — science science. But allow the earth to warm up. Going too early — even a week or two — can stunt your growth. Need to know your gardening zone? Check here: Your Gardening Zone.

Beginner Gardening Mistake #2: Starting Too Big Too Soon

Gardening happens at so many levels. I remember seeing the fields and fields of farms as I was growing up. Thinking that one day that would be my life. And while right now, I do not have a farm — I have scaled my garden right along with my growth level.

As you can see, I started my garden very small. I did not know what I was doing — but I was determined to take my time. As much as I wanted a larger space, I am glad I started out in a space I could handle.

It’s important to know your space. And think outside of the box. I’ve seen people start gardens in $5 buckets from hardware stores. Anything can serve as a container with the right draining system.

Fix It Tip: Know your space and grow accordingly.

Beginner Gardening Mistake #3: Overcrowding Plants in Small Spaces

As I was speaking about knowing your space, it is also important to not overcrowd your space. Sometimes that can happen accidentally. In my book, Harvesting Joy, I talk about how to place seeds in the hole. You do not want to put all of the seeds into one hole — they’ll end up fighting for space. Some people do not thin out.

Plants that grow too closely together do not leave room for air to flow throughout. This can cause fungus to grow as well as stunt their growth. It can also make things difficult for you to harvest. Just as you know your space, make sure that you can at least get your hands through it.

Fix It Tip: Always leave space for you to be able to harvest. If your veggie babies are too close — thin them out. If there is one that is not growing successfully — it’s ok to pull it up. It’s allowing space for what can grow to grow.

Beginner Gardening Mistake #4: Ignoring Pest Prevention Early On

As I’ve mentioned in several posts — I am an organic gardener. Because I am an organic gardener, I do things that not only help my garden to grow, but I have sometimes been caught behind the ball when it came to preventing pests. Beginner gardening mistakes often include pest control oversights.

There are ways to prevent pests including: regular harvesting, fertilizing consistently, and pulling weeds. The more that you spend time in your garden and pay attention to it, you can do things that can prevent pests.

Companion planting is a great way to prevent pests before they even start. Not only do I plant marigolds for color, but they also attract pollinators and prevent pests. It’s a win-win.

Fix It Tip: Plant marigolds and visit your garden regularly.

Beginner Gardening Mistake #5: Forgetting to Harvest Regularly

When I first started gardening, I used to leave my tomatoes on the plant. I was so excited to see them I just liked seeing them there. I had to learn that harvesting is a communication.

I have compared harvesting to breast milk and breast production. When you harvest from your fruit/vegetable, it’s communication to the earth that more is needed — and it will begin to produce more. But if you do not harvest regularly, it’s communicating that no one is taking from the fruits and therefore it does not need to produce.

It’s extremely important not to allow the fruit/vegetable to fall on the ground around the plant. That’s waste. When I was growing up, we had pecan trees in the yard. For years we wouldn’t pick them — we’d just let them fall off and die. And eventually the tree stopped producing. It was because we were accidentally telling it that it didn’t need to produce because no one was consuming it.

Yes, the earth is just that smart. Amazing right? Also — it can attract pests. Flies and other vermin will come and eat the cast-offs, and that causes a completely separate issue.

Fix It Tip: Harvest on a regular and consistent basis. At the beginning it won’t seem like a lot, but eventually your plant will start producing regularly. Avoiding these beginner gardening mistakes can lead to a fruitful harvest.

Final Thoughts + Your Next Step

When it comes to gardening, mistakes will happen. But don’t let them stop you. These beginner mistakes are easy to fix — and every season you’ll grow a little more confident.

If this post helped you, you’ll love my beginner-friendly gardening guide Harvesting Joy. I walk you through how to plant, space, feed, and grow your garden with ease and joy.

👉🏾 Grab your copy of Harvesting Joy here!

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