Now that summer is here, how do you keep your garden looking as great as the day it was planted? Don’t let your hard work go to waste! Here are some of the most common summer garden fails and how you can avoid them.

1. Just Flowers

If you’ve planted your garden using only flowers, you may find it’s looking a little bare. This is because most gardens need some foliage and greenery to not only fill the space, but to give a more balanced appearance. In addition, green foliage is sure to make the colours really pop, so don’t be afraid to pick up a few plants to fill your garden gaps.

2. You Bought Full Bloom

You want your flowers to hit their full potential while in your garden not while they’re sitting at the garden centre. This generally applies to seasonal flowers that have already hit a peak in their growth and beauty. If you’ve decided to plant mid-summer or are missing items, go ahead and buy full bloom to avoid missing out on any of your floral favourites.

3. Buying Sick Plants

If you buy an unhealthy plant you may not get the growth you were expecting. Make sure you do a full check of the soil and leaves before you purchase, with as few brown or yellow leaves as possible. If you do find yourself in this position, you can try to revive it by trying a few of these tricks to save a dead plant. You can also do your research on the type of plant you bought and how to help it grow. 

4. Planting Too Tightly 

Some plants don’t mind being close together but others won’t grow if they find themselves jostling for space. This is particularly the case with vegetables. For example, kale and spinach will grow gloriously side by side but squash, pumpkins and other gourds need much more room. Plan ahead when it comes to your vegetable garden by following this plant spacing guide if you are unsure how to place your garden items.

If you’ve already planted, don’t worry, You can always dig up a plant and move it if it isn’t flourishing in its original spot – just be sure to transplant your garden with care.  

6. Not Enough Fertilizer

Speaking of care, maintaining your garden with fertilizer is an excellent way to provide nourishment and give plants a better chance to thrive. Avoid any heavy blends that might burn the roots. Instead, try to pick a fertilizer that’s light and loose and be sure to follow the instructions. This is also step one in saving a dying plant! 

7. Mowing Mishaps

By continually mowing your grass in the same direction you compact the soil -making your grass grow less efficiently. If you find your lawn is looking flat or keeled over, be sure to switch it up.  

8. Too Much Maintenance 

If you’re a first-time gardener, you may get over excited and plant more than you can handle. This will mean too much maintenance overall and not enough time to properly take care of things. Keep it simple and work your way up to a more complicated garden as you gain experience. 

When you find yourself facing a garden fail, don’t fret! Gardens are very adaptable and you can make the changes required to save them. Keep the above tips in mind and you’ll be able to prevent current and future follies. Happy gardening!

Photo credits: gardening tools, flowers, planting