Gardening is meant to be rewarding, but sometimes, despite your best efforts, your plants just don’t seem to thrive.
The frustrating part? You might be unknowingly causing more harm than good. From overwatering to using the wrong fertiliser, some common gardening habits could be working against you. The good news is that with a few small adjustments, you can create a healthier, more resilient garden. If your plants aren’t looking as lush as you’d hoped, here are some things you might be doing in your garden that are actually hurting them.
1. Watering at the wrong time of day
Watering your plants in the heat of the day might seem harmless, but it can actually cause more harm than good. The sun evaporates the water quickly, meaning your plants don’t get the deep hydration they need. Plus, droplets left on the leaves under direct sunlight can act like tiny magnifying glasses, leading to sun damage.
The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This gives the water time to soak into the soil and reach the roots without being lost to evaporation. Your plants will stay hydrated for longer, and you’ll waste less water in the process.
2. Overwatering your plants
It’s easy to assume that more water equals healthier plants, but overwatering can drown the roots and lead to rot. Many plants, especially drought-tolerant ones, prefer the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Soggy soil also creates the perfect environment for fungal diseases, which can quickly spread and damage the plant.
A good rule of thumb is to check the soil before watering. If it’s still damp a couple of inches below the surface, hold off for another day or two. Letting the soil dry out a little encourages stronger root growth and healthier plants.
3. Using too much fertiliser
Fertiliser is great for plant growth, but too much can actually damage your plants. Over-fertilising can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which burns the roots and stunts growth. Some plants will react by growing quickly but weakly, making them more vulnerable to pests and disease.
Stick to the recommended amount and avoid fertilising too often. Some plants, like wildflowers and native species, actually thrive in poorer soil and don’t need additional nutrients. Compost and organic matter are often better long-term solutions for keeping the soil healthy.
4. Planting in the wrong spot
Some plants love full sun, while others need shade to thrive. If your plants are struggling, they might simply be in the wrong place. Sun-loving plants won’t do well in a shady corner, and shade-loving plants will wilt in direct sunlight.
Before planting, pay attention to how much sunlight different parts of your garden get throughout the day. Moving a struggling plant to a more suitable spot can often make an instant difference.
5. Ignoring the quality of your soil
Not all soil is the same, and using poor-quality soil can make it difficult for plants to grow. Heavy clay soil can suffocate roots by holding too much water, while sandy soil doesn’t retain enough moisture. Even if your plants survive, they might not thrive if the soil lacks nutrients.
Improving your soil with compost, organic matter, or mulch can make a huge difference. Testing your soil’s pH level can also help you understand what nutrients might be missing. A simple soil test kit can reveal whether your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, allowing you to adjust it for better plant health.
6. Pruning at the wrong time
Pruning can encourage healthy growth, but doing it at the wrong time can damage your plants. Some plants should be pruned in winter when they’re dormant, while others need trimming right after flowering. Cutting back too much too soon can shock the plant, leaving it weak or struggling to recover.
Check the best pruning time for each plant before grabbing the shears. Cutting back at the wrong time can lead to fewer flowers, slower growth, or even long-term damage. When in doubt, prune lightly rather than drastically.
7. Compacting the soil by walking on it
Stepping on the soil around your plants might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it compacts the ground, making it harder for roots to spread and for water to reach deep into the soil. Compacted soil lacks oxygen, which is essential for healthy root development.
Try to stick to designated paths or stepping stones when moving through your garden to keep the soil light and airy for your plants’ roots. If you have raised beds, avoid stepping inside them to prevent compaction.
8. Ignoring weeds for too long
Weeds might not seem like an urgent problem, but they compete with your plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. The longer you leave them, the harder they are to remove, as they establish deeper roots and spread more aggressively.
Regularly pulling weeds or using mulch to suppress them will help your plants grow stronger without unnecessary competition. Hand-weeding is best for smaller areas, while hoeing or using organic weed barriers can help for larger garden beds.
9. Watering the leaves instead of the roots
It’s tempting to water plants from above, but soaking the leaves rather than the soil can encourage fungal diseases, especially in damp weather. Wet leaves can also become damaged if the sun is too strong.
Always aim to water at the base of the plant, allowing the roots to absorb the moisture they need without creating an environment for mould and disease. A soaker hose or drip irrigation system can help target water directly to the roots.
10. Using pesticides that harm beneficial insects
Trying to get rid of garden pests is understandable, but some pesticides don’t just kill the bad bugs — they also wipe out the beneficial ones, like bees, ladybirds, and other pollinators. This can create long-term problems by reducing biodiversity in your garden.
Opt for natural pest control methods where possible, like introducing predatory insects, using companion planting, or making homemade insect-repelling sprays. Neem oil and insecticidal soaps are good alternatives to chemical pesticides.
11. Cutting the grass too short
A neatly trimmed lawn might look tidy, but cutting your grass too short can stress it out, making it more vulnerable to drought and weeds. Short grass exposes the soil to direct sunlight, causing it to dry out faster.
Leaving it a little longer helps retain moisture and encourages stronger roots. Plus, a slightly longer lawn is better for pollinators and wildlife, creating a healthier ecosystem in your garden.
12. Ignoring plant spacing recommendations
It’s easy to overcrowd plants when you first put them in the ground, but failing to give them enough space can stunt their growth as they compete for light, water, and nutrients. Overcrowded plants also create humidity, which can lead to fungal infections.
Plants need room to spread, so always check the recommended spacing before planting. It might look sparse at first, but giving them space to grow will pay off in the long run.
13. Forgetting to rotate crops in vegetable gardens
If you grow vegetables in the same spot year after year, you’re depleting the soil of the same nutrients while increasing the risk of pests and diseases. Certain crops attract specific pests, and planting them in the same place makes infestations more likely.
Rotating your crops each year helps maintain soil health and keeps plants strong. Even if you have a small garden, switching plant locations can make a big difference. Growing nitrogen-fixing plants like beans and peas can also help enrich the soil for next season.
Gardening is all about learning, and even experienced gardeners make mistakes. The key is recognising what might be harming your plants and making small changes to help them thrive. With a few adjustments, you’ll have a healthier, happier garden in no time.
