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: “They keep plants in the wrong place”

Before placing your plants 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: Pothos, Aglaonema, Areca Palm, Croton, Peace Lily, Rubber plant, etc. 

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: “They follow wrong watering practice”

 

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.

Some people water their plants every day but only a little bit.

• They just want the top layer of soil to look wet.
• But they don’t check if the water is actually reaching the bottom or draining out from the hole in the pot.

This is a common mistake. Because of this, the plant either gets too little water or too much, which can make it weak or unhealthy over time.

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.

How to water plants properly:

(ii) Do the finger test: Press your finger into the soil.

• If the soil is sticking to the finger, it means it still has moisture, water is not required at that moment.
• If the soil feels dry and doesn’t stick, it’s time to water.

(iii) Always water slowly and in stages –

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

(iv) Best time to water: Morning is ideal time to water your plants. 

• If you’ve checked in the morning but didn’t water, you can also water in the evening.
• If you already watered in the morning but the soil feels dry again by evening, it’s a sign the plant needs more water — go ahead and water it again.

Click here to read: How to Water Plants Correctly?

Mistake 3: “They never keep plants in shade”

During extreme heat temperature, it’s important to move some plants into the shade so they don’t get scorched or stressed.

Our gardening expert explains:

Some plants cannot tolerate extreme heat – especially winter plants. These need protection from excessive sunlight or they may stop growing, wilt or even die.

But many gardeners make a common mistake:

They never keep their plants in a shady area because they think all plants can survive in full sun.

• Sadly, this often results in damage to the plants and they regret later.

Just like we feel uncomfortable in extreme heat and turn on the AC or cooler, plants have a limit too. They can only tolerate so much heat before it becomes harmful.

Note:

• To keep them healthy, we need to create the right environment – give them shade when needed, make sure they don’t overheat and help them stay stress-free in harsh weather.

Mistake 4: “They never do tilling the soil”

Generally, gardeners make lots of efforts for the growth of their plants like giving fertilizers on time, feeding bio enzymes, pruning at regular intervals, and many more. But they never do “Tilling the soil”.

Our gardening expert explains:

Tilling the Soil – This is a simple basic gardening activity that many gardeners skip.

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: “The use 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.

Our gardening expert explains:

Instead of using chemical and heavy fertilizers, you can use diluted liquid fertilizers every 15 days in a month such as –

• cow dung liquid fertilizer, 
• vermicompost tea, 
• banana peel liquid fertilizer,
• seaweed liquid fertilizer,
• kitchen compost tea, and
• onion peel liquid fertilizer.

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.

Click here to read: Best Organic Liquid Fertilizers for Plants

Mistake 6: “They do Pruning , Hard Pruning “

Some gardeners make the mistake of pruning their plants all the time — whether it’s hard pruning, shaping, or even root pruning — without thinking about the weather or season.

Our gardening expert explains: 

During extreme summer heat, many plants go into a dormant state (a kind of rest mode). Pruning during this time can harm the plant instead of helping it.

Here’s why pruning in high heat is risky:

• it can stress the plant,

• may even kill sensitive plants,

• can slow down or stop growth,

• increases the risk of fungal infections and pest attack.

👉 So what should you do?

• Avoid unnecessary cutting, shaping, or pruning in summer.

• Only trim if you’re removing pests, yellowing leaves, or faded flowers.

The best time to prune is during the spring, monsoon, or autumn, when plants are actively growing and can heal and bounce back easily.

Click here to read: How, When & Why To Prune Plants?

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.

Our gardening expert explains: 

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.

When to spray water on plants:

• You can spray water on plants in the morning or evening.
• Avoid the intense midday sun. 
• Aim to spray plants daily in summer, or at least twice a week.

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Happy Gardening!