Avoid These Five Gardening Mistakes

2022-05-31

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1
  • Much of gardening is learned by trial and error - that means, from mistakes.
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  • We have all been in that situation.
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  • The good news is we can learn from other people's mistakes and our own.
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  • Associated Press garden writer Jessica Damiano has this advice: "First, we need to admit we're not perfect."
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  • Many years ago, Damiano planted some morning glory seeds near the front gate of her garden.
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  • The seeds are often called a "fast-grower" and "self-sower."
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  • She was sure the vine would immediately bloom with leaves and flowers.
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  • But, the morning glory did its job too well.
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  • She now spends about a half hour every week during summer pulling up seedlings that grow as far as 15 meters away.
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  • Damiano said that was not her only trial and error in gardening.
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  • One summer, she planted some mint in a garden bed instead of a container.
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  • But the mint jumped the garden bed and spread everywhere.
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  • By the third year, Damiano had to dig up the whole bed to remove it.
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  • She learned not to plant invasive plants.
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  • Here is a list of Damiano's five common gardening mistakes with advice on how to avoid them.
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  • Having the right pH level, a measure of acidity, for the soil is important for gardening success.
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  • Tomatoes, for example, grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0-6.8.
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  • Blueberry plants, however, will likely turn yellow and produce little if the pH is higher than 5.5.
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  • That is because nutrients are available to plants only at target pH levels, which are different for each kind of plant.
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  • Test kits for pH are not costly and you should test the soil in each garden bed individually.
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  • The pH level is often not the same in different parts of the garden.
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  • A reading of 7.0 is considered neutral.
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  • A lower number means the soil is acidic and a higher number means it is a base.
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  • It is best to select plants that do well in your garden conditions.
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  • Most garden plants require 2.5 to nearly four centimeters of water weekly.
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  • The water could come from rainfall or from your home.
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  • Mold, mildew and bacterial diseases, however, could spread if too much water becomes trapped between plant parts.
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  • Too much water can spread these problems from infected leaves to healthy ones.
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  • Make sure to direct water to roots, where it is needed.
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  • Avoid watering leaves, fruit and flowers.
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  • Compost, made of food or plant waste, is a gardener's best friend.
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  • It improves the drainage of heavy clay soil, increases the water-holding ability of sand and adds high-quality nutrients.
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  • Add compost into new beds and borders, or add an amount equal to half the removed soil to individual planting holes.
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  • A plant that needs "full sun" will likely disappoint if planted in an area without sunshine.
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  • The same is true the other way around.
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  • And do not put "drought-tolerant" plants, or plants that can survive long periods without water, in "poorly-draining, soggy soil."
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  • Choose the plants that are right for your growing conditions.
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  • The result will be a better-looking, healthier garden that requires less care and less work.
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  • Mulch is material made out of old leaves, wood or compost.
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  • It can keep water and heat in the soil.
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  • It also suppresses unwanted plants, or weeds.
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  • So, it is an important part of every garden.
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  • Mulching incorrectly, however, can kill your plants.
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  • Always use mulch from natural materials such as tree bark, wood chips, straw or pine needles.
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  • They enrich the soil as they break down.
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  • Add five to seven centimeters of mulch around plants several times a year.
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  • Keep the material about seven centimeters away from trunks and stems to avoid blocking air and preventing water from escaping, which would result in rot.
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  • I'm Dan Friedell.