What Common Mistake Gardeners Make in Summer?

What Common Mistake Gardeners Make in Summer?

 

Our gardening expert, Mrs. Sudeepti Bajpai (founder of Voice of plant Website and YouTube channel), has shared most common mistakes which gardeners make during the summer season. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, you should know these mistakes which I am going to tell you through this article. So, let’s get started!

Mistake 1: “Keeping plants in wrong place”

 

Before placing think twice about the positioning of each plant. 

• If your balcony or terrace garden gets plenty of sunlight, choose drought-tolerant plants that grows in full sun. Such as: Hibiscus, Jasmine (Mogra), Tulsi (Holy basil), Rose, Tomato, etc. 
• And if your garden is getting bright indirect light, keep those plants which loves to grow in shaded area. Such as: 

Our gardening expert explains:

All plants have different growing needs, and one of the most important factors is the amount of sunlight they receive.

• Placing a plant in the wrong place can slow down their  growth, increase the risk of disease, and cause pest problems.

 

Mistake 2: “Wrong watering method”

 

Some gardeners think that during summer we should water the plants daily otherwise they will get spoiled.  It’s not just about pouring water every day; it’s about understanding the unique needs of each plant.

Our gardening expert explains:

If you water your plants daily without considering their requirements, or if you neglect them at times, both can lead to harm.

• To ensure your plants thrive, it’s essential to recognize when they need water and how much is appropriate.
• Each plant has its own requirements based on factors like its type, pot size, and the environment it’s in.

The basic tip to water the plants is to first check the soil of the pot”

When the topmost layer of the soil is dry, it means plants need water.

• Loose the soil and give water. Otherwise, water the next day.; or if you have checked in the morning, then you can give water in the evening.
• If soil is sticking to the finger, water is not required at that moment.
• If it is not sticking and completely dry then gradually give water to the plant.

How to water: For potted plants, always water slowly and in stages.

• Let the water soak in fully before adding more.
• Continue until water starts to seep from the bottom drainage holes.
• This ensures that the water reaches the plant’s deepest roots.

• Preferably water the plants during morning time.

Mistake 3: “Not pruning”

 

Some gardeners think that pruning damages the plants. And due to this fear, they never prune the plants. Due to which their plant becomes dull and weak, and growth stops.

Why pruning is necessary:

• It is crucial to prune leaves promptly when they start turning yellow or brown to maintain the plant’s overall health.
• If any leaves show signs of infection, such as discoloration, spots, or mold, immediate pruning is necessary. This prevents the spread of disease to other parts of the plant and promotes faster recovery.
• Prune dead stems and branches.
• Once flowers have bloomed and started to fade, it’s essential to remove them promptly. By removing spent flowers, the plant can redirect its energy towards producing new blooms or other growth.

Mistake 4: “Tilling of Soil”

Generally, gardeners make lots of efforts for the growth of their plants like giving fertilizers on time, feeding humic acid or bio enzymes, pruning at regular intervals, and many more things but they do not give much importance to the basics of gardening that is doing “tilling of the soil”.

The tilling process is important for various reasons-

• it makes the soil soft,
• soil nutrients get shuffled up and down,
• it maintains good aeration,
• roots become strong and healthy.

Once a week, tilling of the soil should be done for the optimal growth of the plants.

Mistake 5: “Using Heavy Fertilizer”

 

Using heavy fertilizer in summer can kill your plants. 

• High temperature slow downs plant chemical reactions, so avoid heavy fertilizers like chemical urea, NPK, DAP, mustard cake, and groundnut cake.

Instead of chemical and heavy fertilizers, you can use diluted liquid fertilizers such as – cow dung liquid fertilizer, vermicompost tea, banana peel liquid fertilizer, seaweed liquid fertilizer, kitchen compost tea, and onion peel liquid fertilizer once in a month.

Benefits of using light and diluted organic liquid fertilizers:

• improves soil structure and moisture retention, reducing water requirements,
• promotes robust flowering and fruiting in plants,
•  enhances plant growth and leaf shine, promoting overall plant health,
• enhances root development, leading to stronger and healthier plants,
• boosts plant immunity, making them more resistant to stress, diseases, and pests,
• eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for plant nourishment.

Mistake 6: “Over Pruning”

Avoid unnecessary cutting, shaping, and pruning, which can lead to fungal infections.

Only cut to remove pests or yellow leaves, and deadhead flowers as needed.

Avoid planting cuttings, as they require humidity and favorable conditions not present in summer.

Mistake 7: “Not spraying water on plants”

 

Some gardeners never spray water on their plants in summer. They think – this can lead to fungus and pest attacks, due to which they avoid doing so.

But, let me make it clear:

• Spraying water will provide moisture to your plants and also give them some relief from the heat.
• This helps remove dust, cool the leaves, and increase humidity.
• This activity will improve the health of the plants and they will feel fresh and healthy.

You can spray water on plants in the morning or evening. Avoid the intense midday sun. 

• Regular spraying also allows for monitoring plant health and identifying diseases.
• Aim to spray plants daily in summer, or at least once or twice a week.

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