5 Things You Should Never Do When Planting a New Garden, Say Horticulturists

Starting a new garden can be exciting—but you shouldn't rush into it. Neglecting certain steps in the planting process—or skipping them entirely—can cause problems down the line for your herbs, flowers, and vegetables. Without proper planning, a new garden will end almost as soon as it begins.

Of course, for beginner gardeners, this can all feel very daunting, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Here, we spoke with expert horticulturists about what you should never do when planting a new garden, so you'll know exactly which common mistakes to avoid.

Planting Too Early

Timing is everything when it comes to gardening. For example, gardeners often start planting too early in the spring.

"Don't let one warm day fool you," says Gifford. "I get it—especially for those of us in colder climates with long winters—we've got spring fever and are dying to get back into the gardens. But starting too early can also be a recipe for failure."

Temperatures can still drop even after one warm day, and starting new plants in the soil before it's warmed—or before the last frost date—can lead to poor germination or plant loss. Instead, Gifford recommends familiarizing yourself with your USDA growing zone and looking up your region's last frost date.

"Think of gardens as constantly evolving through time, rather than static spaces," says Susan Betz, master gardener and author of Herbal Houseplants. "This provides a powerful framework for more effective gardening."

Overcrowding Plants

Planning out your new garden is important—part of that is knowing what your plants will look like once they're fully grown. It may seem like a good idea to put them next to each other when they're seeds or seedlings, but doing so may create square footage problems down the line.

"Overcrowding leads to poor air circulation, increased disease risk, and competition for water and nutrients," says Tabar Gifford, master gardener and partnership cultivator at American Meadows. "Always plant according to the mature size listed on plant tags or guides—not how they look when you’re putting them in the ground."

However, if you did start a few plants that are now too close together, don't panic. Oftentimes, you can simply transplant a few to a new spot, where they'll have more room to grow.

Growing in Unprepared Soil

Soil is everything, especially when it comes to new plants that need all-important nutrients in order to grow. "People often overlook soil pH, nutrient levels, drainage, and compaction," says Ankit Singh, ornamental horticulture educator and assistant professor at the University of Maine Extension. "[They plant] in untested or poorly prepared soil."

Soil preference will also vary from plant to plant, so it's important to also consider individual needs. "Different soil types will provide different levels of nutrients and the ability for water absorption," says Leigh Couture, master gardener and customer service manager at American Meadows. "You should either choose your plants based on your current soil quality, or if you want to plant something specific, then you'll want to amend the soil."

One way to prevent issues related to soil is to first test the soil with a home kit, which will tell you whether your soil is more acidic, more alkaline, or if it's lacking in key nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus.

"Once you know your soil's needs, you can amend it thoughtfully," says Gifford. "Adding compost or other organic matter can improve soil structure, boost fertility, and support healthy microbial life, creating an ideal environment for roots to thrive."

Overwatering or Overfertilizing

There is such a thing as loving your plants to death. After starting a new garden, it's easy to accidentally overwater your new flowers or vegetables. However, doing so can create its own set of problems.

"Young plants need time to get established, and too much water or fertilizer can actually harm them," says Gifford. "Follow guidelines specific to the plant type, and when in doubt, go easy. Less is often more in the early stages of growth."

Applying too much fertilizer immediately after planting can actually burn plant roots, says Betz—and using the wrong type can cause problems too.

Instead, take things slow. "Water gently and regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy," says Singh. "Fertilize only after plants are established and use the right type; slow-release or diluted liquid fertilizers work best early on."

Skipping the Instructions

Many of the above problems can be remedied by simply reading the instructions on the seed packet. Often, these will include guidelines for how much sun the plant should receive, and the type of soil it needs, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

"These aren't just filler—they're your best resource for success," says Gifford. "Reputable garden companies invest years—often decades—into trialing and growing these varieties and include detailed care instructions based on real-world results."

So, as tempting as it is to dive straight into gardening, take a minute to pause and read all of the necessary instructions first.