Top 5 Mistakes Made By New Gardeners
When planning a garden, one of the most important things to remember is the phrase "Right plant - Right place". Here are some of the things that new gardeners often fail to consider when planning a garden:
Plant Size:
Consider the eventual size of the plant. A small seedling in a pot can become a large shrub or tree within a few years, so placement is really important. It is unwise to plant trees close to buildings, as the roots could eventually cause damage to property and the plant could block out valuable sunlight.
Soil Type:
Different types of plants prefer different soil types. Consider the soil ph. Some plants like acid soil and some prefer alkaline soil. It is also important to check drainage. Certain plants thrive in clay soils, whereas others prefer a free draining soil like a sandy loam. A plant in the wrong type of soil will die. A good gardener will think about the type of place that the plant grows in the wild.
Sunlight:
South facing gardens get the most sunlight, whereas north facing gardens get very little. When planting a garden, it is important to consider the plants' natural environment. Woodland plants thrive in shady areas, whereas desert plants love the sunshine and will not tolerate poor light levels. A gardener needs to look at how the sun moves over the garden in an average day and plant the correct plants in the areas where they will benefit most from that particular light level.
