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You’re a bit too fast -

Those first days of warmth in the spring make you super excited to buy new plants and start a garden. But often these plants take a bad hit when the cold snaps back. The problem is that you start the season with plants that are already suffering. The same goes for seeds that are planted too early.

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You think more is always better -

When it comes to growing food, this is not always the case. For example, over-composting can add too much organic matter to the soil, causing problems such as disease and poor drainage. Also, overusing fertilizers can cause runoff and impact waterways.

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You’re going too exotic -

It can be tempting to grow very exotic and interesting-looking vegetables. But if you're just starting out, it’s best to stick to the basics.

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You’re not planning for weeds -

Most people don’t think about weeds until they start taking over their garden. But it's important to do so when you're planning and planting your garden. Proper spacing of beds, pathways, and plants will help with the efficiency of your cultivation.

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You’re not interplanting -

Mixing plant varieties helps to support the overall health and productivity of any plant and will yield better produce for longer. So make sure you research the best plant combinations to encourage biodiversity.

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You're watering too much -

Many garden mistakes revolve around watering. It's important to know that different seedlings and plants will require different amounts. If you water too much, plants can become waterlogged and roots can rot.

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You're not watering enough -

Not providing enough water can also kill plants. Less extreme water shortage can still be a problem, as it can stunt plant growth and make them less vigorous.

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You’re planting everything at once -

Overplanting can be a problem, as you will have so much produce in the early summer that you can’t eat it all. Take your time making your garden plan, and plan for succession plantings. Succession planting is the practice of planting crops at intervals of seven to 21 days in order to maintain a consistent supply of produce. It also involves planting a new crop after harvesting the first one.

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You’re not controlling critters -

Squirrels, rabbits, or deer can wreak havoc on your garden. To protect your precious plants, observe during dawn and dusk to see who and what is coming and going through your garden, then determine what type of barrier to install.

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You’re not planning for your veggies -

It’s easy to end up with more (or less) produce than you originally planned, so make sure you know where and how to use it all, so it doesn't go to waste.

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You're choosing wrong seeds/plants for your climate -

When people first decide to create a vegetable garden, they often start with a list of the things they enjoy eating. But this doesn't always work in the climate zone they live in. So make sure you choose seeds/plants that will work.

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You’re neglecting pollinators -

Wild pollinators (native bees, leaf cutter bees, or mason bees) are important because many vegetables, including squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins, require pollinators to produce fruit. Make sure you have flowers in your garden in all seasons to attract them.

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You're growing varieties that don't taste that good -

New gardeners often forget that each plant type has a huge number of different varieties to choose from. Watery tomatoes or bland carrots can be a real disappointment, so it's important to do your research and choose seeds that come recommended by experienced gardeners.

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You're disturbing the soil -

When making a new vegetable garden, many people dig up a new patch in a lawn. But this is actually unnecessary. Instead, go for the ‘no dig gardening’ methodology that protects the soil and keeps it productive.

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You're not making plans for year-round growing and crop rotation -

Planning is key for a successful vegetable garden. Think about when crops will be harvested and when gaps will open up. What will you sow and grow there next? Also, rotating certain crops can help keep your soil healthy, reduce disease problems in plants, and spread the wealth of nitrogen fixers. Nitrogen fixers are plants with roots that are colonized by certain bacteria that extract nitrogen from the air for its growth. They have the ability to contribute essential nutrients to the soil.

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You're placing the vegetable garden in the wrong location -

One common mistake is putting a new vegetable garden in the wrong spot on your property. Keep in mind how far your vegetable plot is from your home and how close it is to other garden elements such as a rainwater harvesting system and your composting system.

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You're choosing the wrong growing medium -

Different seeds have different requirements when it comes to moisture or drainage. Make sure you know how to properly sow seeds and the different mediums you can use to germinate them.

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You're starting certain seeds too late -

Another common issue is starting certain seeds a little too late, which will leave you with immature produce. Knowing when to sow different seeds, and creating a sowing and planting schedule, will save you from a lot of problems.

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Your soil is losing fertility over time -

If you always take from your vegetable garden and don’t give back, it will lose fertility over time as nutrients are being removed. One of the most important ways to return nutrients to the system is by composting vegetable scraps and other organic materials and spreading that compost on the beds.

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You're spending more than you have to -

People who are new to gardening often rush out to buy items without giving it much thought. But don’t make the mistake of spending a lot of money when you don’t necessarily have to spend much at all.

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You're not making the most of your space -

Many people who start vegetable gardens don’t make the most of their available space. To do so, consider vertical gardening techniques. This can dramatically increase the number of crops that you'll be able to grow in the space available to you.

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You're planting in areas with low fertility -

Whenever you're planting in an area where the soil is less than ideal, it's important that you take the time to improve it. Before sowing seeds or planting, you should add plenty of organic matter, as in the 'no dig' techniques.

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You're not harvesting/storing water -

Harvesting/storing water for your vegetable garden is extremely important and sustainable. Even if you live in an area where there is plenty of water right now, climate change may alter this in the future. On top of that, rainwater is far better for your plants.

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You're damaging seedlings when pricking them out -

Many gardeners damage seedlings by handling them incorrectly when pricking them out. So be careful when doing so as to not break off all the roots.

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You're not hardening off plants before moving them to your garden -

If you have started seeds indoors or undercover, it is very important to remember to harden them off before you transplant them into your garden. As they're used to indoor conditions, you should gradually introduce them to the outside.

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You're making raised beds the wrong size and shape -

If you're planning to grow in raised beds, it's important to think not only about their location, but also their shape and size. The shape you choose can have an impact on how much food you can grow.

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You're overestimating how many sees you need -

Knowing how many seeds or plants to buy can be challenging if you have never gardened before. Consider how much space you have available. If you're limited in space, research spacing requirements to figure out how many seeds you can use.

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You're not providing the right temperatures for germination -

A common germination problem revolves around temperature. Make sure you know the optimal temperature range for the seeds you're sowing. Determine whether it's best to sow indoors, undercover, or outdoors.

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You're forgetting to enjoy the fruits of your labor -

Gardening can be hard work, but it can also be hugely rewarding and enjoyable. Make sure to smell the flowers, and enjoy the food you have grown.

Sources: (Real Simple) (Rural Sprout)

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