The Biggest Gardening Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Starting a garden is so exciting—there’s nothing like watching your first seedlings sprout or seeing a tomato finally ripen on the vine. But if you’re new to gardening, chances are you’ve run into some struggles (or full-on disasters—I know I have).
When I first started, I was sure that tossing a bunch of seeds into the soil and hoping for the best was a solid strategy. Spoiler alert: it was not. My plants fought for space, some never grew at all, and the ones that did were weak and sad. I also had no clue when to water (turns out, the hottest part of the day isn’t ideal) and didn’t think twice about soil health.
If you’ve made any of these mistakes—welcome to the club! The good news? They’re all fixable. Here are three of the biggest beginner gardening mistakes and how to avoid them.
I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article. But no worries these are all things that I have used and loved!
Mistake #1: Overcrowding Seeds
It’s so tempting to sprinkle in way more seeds than necessary because, in theory, more seeds = more plants, right? Nope.
Overcrowded seedlings end up competing for space, nutrients, and sunlight. Instead of growing into big, healthy plants, they get weak and leggy. Plus, if there’s not enough airflow, you’re practically inviting mold and disease into your garden.
How to Fix It:
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Check the seed packet for spacing recommendations (I know, I know, but it really does help).
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If you’ve already planted too many, thin them out by snipping the weaker seedlings at the base. I promise, it’s better to have a few strong plants than a bunch of struggling ones.
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Growing in containers? Pick plants that don’t mind tight spaces, like herbs, leafy greens, or compact tomatoes.
Quick Tip: If spacing feels overwhelming, try placing your seeds on the soil before planting so you can see how they’ll fit.
Mistake #2: Watering at the Wrong Time
Watering seems like a no-brainer—plants need water, so just give it to them whenever, right? Not exactly. When you water makes a huge difference.
Watering in the middle of the day? The sun will evaporate most of it before your plants can drink.
Watering at night? The moisture just sits there, which can lead to mold and disease.
How to Fix It:
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Water early in the morning so your plants can soak it up before the heat kicks in.
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Aim for the base of the plant, not the leaves—wet leaves are a breeding ground for disease.
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Water deeply and less often instead of a little bit every day. Deep watering encourages strong root growth.
Quick Tip: Stick your finger into the soil—if it’s dry up to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a day.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Soil Health
Think of soil like a plant’s pantry—if it’s stocked with good stuff, plants thrive. If it’s empty, they struggle no matter how much you water or baby them.
If your plants aren’t growing well despite your best efforts, bad soil is probably the culprit.
How to Fix It:
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Add compost, worm castings, or aged manure to enrich your soil.
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Avoid chemical fertilizers—they give a quick boost but don’t improve soil health long-term.
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Test your soil’s pH (there are cheap kits online). Most plants like a pH between 6.0 – 7.0.
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Use mulch. It helps retain moisture, keeps weeds down, and slowly adds nutrients to the soil.
Quick Tip: If your soil is terrible, don’t stress. Start with raised beds or containers filled with good-quality soil while you work on improving what’s in the ground.
Final Thoughts: Mistakes Help You Grow
If you’ve made any of these mistakes, guess what? You’re officially a gardener. Mistakes are just part of the process, and every season is a chance to learn and improve.
One of the best ways to avoid these pitfalls is to have a plan—that’s exactly why I created my Grow-a-Long. It walks you through what to plant, when, and how to avoid common beginner struggles. If you want to be part of the next round, stay tuned.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you:
Have you made any of these mistakes? Or do you have a totally different gardening struggle?
xo, Lisa