For centuries, gardening has proved to be a big stress-reliever and an anti-depressant. It is an exciting yet a ry complicated job, especially if you are an amateur. There is a lot more than just dropping the seeds in the soil and watering them daily. Plants are sensitive living beings that require nourishment with fertilizers and nurturing with utmost care and attention.
However, mistakes are bound to happen in the whole process, especially if you are a new gardener. What are they, and what can we do to avoid them? Here is a list 3 common mistakes made by a majority of newbies-
The right amount of light
Getting your plants too little or too much light is the major reason for affecting their lifecycle. Every plant requires a different amount of exposure to light that either the people are not aware of or are not capable of giving due to lack of such space. Buying the plants just because they would look beautiful on your balcony is not a sensible act. It is also important to consider whether the area would provide enough natural light to the plants or not. For beginners, it is better to observe how the plant is kept in the nursery – whether it is placed in a sunny spot or a space with little light and simply follow by placing it similarly in your garden.
The right amount of water
Not giving the desired amount of water to the plants is another mistake people commit, destroying their plants. People keep watering the plants without having the idea of the correct quantity of water needed for their proper growth. The grounded plants have to be watered more so that the soil gets completely wet. The plants in containers need to be watered only until you see water draining out from the holes. Not providing a drainage hole is another recipe for disaster, where the water stagnates and roots are badly deprived of oxygen, causing them to rot completely. Moreover, not watering the plants for long intervals can affect their lifespan, causing them to die soon.
The right amount of fertilizers
Light and water aren’t the only things for a plant to prosper; they also need nutrients to grow. Normally, the soil contains basic nutrients but using fertilizers can improve the quality of soil drastically. Just like any other building, the foundation is its core so is the soil for the plant. Before sowing any seeds, it is important to prep up the soil; otherwise, you will have plants bearing no fruit or dying too soon. To bring in improvements in the composition of soil and have superior plant growth, I always prefer organic fertilizers. Avoid using fertilizers that are loaded with chemicals as they can deplete the microbial activity required for the healthy growth of a plant.