9 Common Container Gardening Mistakes You Should Avoid

Avoid Using Too Small Containers

One of the most common container gardening mistakes newbies would always make is buying a cute pot even though it’s too small for the plant. Please, this is a sure way to fail and kill your plant. Imagine wearing a cloth small than your size. It feels uncomfortable and suffocating. The same goes for your veggies and plants. Place your plant in a container that’s slightly bigger to give room to grow. You can always decorate the pot to make it look cute and fancy schmancy.

Avoid Buying the Wrong Type of Container

Yes, the type of the container’s material can also negatively affect your veggies and plants’ growth. Avoid buying containers that contain toxic materials and lead as this can leach into the soil, and eventually in your food. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with reusing vintage pots or old pots with your indoor plants, such as Pothos or Philodendron. However, if it’s a pot for your veggies and greens, it’s best and safe to opt for clay terra cotta pots.

Avoid Planting Too Densely

Never overcrowd your container. We always see newbies make this container gardening mistake. Remember to give your veggies and plants space to grow and thrive. Plus, giving your plants space can also avoid the spread of disease and pests.

Avoid Planting the Wrong Type of Vegetable

We know that you just want to plant and grow beautiful veggies and greens, but it all still depends on your area’s environment and how much space you can provide because even if you start a container garden, you’d still need space for the plants to grow well. Try your hands at small veggies, like tomatoes or beans.

Avoid Underwatering

One of the common container gardening mistakes that even good gardeners commit is underwatering their plants. Well, they say that it’s better to underwater than to overwater, right? The answer really depends on the type of veggie or plant that you’re growing. Sure, there are drought-tolerant plants, but most indoor plants or veggies require moist soil to thrive, or else it will wilt if you leave the soil to dry.

If you want to check if the soil needs water, use your finger and check if the top two inches of the soil is dry. If it is, then it’s time to bring out the watering can. We recommend that you check your plant’s soil every week.

Avoid Overwatering Too!

Of course, overwatering is the container gardening mistake you should avoid doing. It’s the main cause of a plant’s death since overwatering can be difficult to fix because it makes the root rot. Make sure to learn how to properly water your veggies and plants by checking their tags and researching. Also, check if the container has proper drainage.

Not Providing the Right Amount of Sunlight

It could be either not enough light or too much light. If you’re a city dweller, providing the right amount of light can be a challenge. Sunlight is actually one of the most common problems of plant parents. It would be a dream if your space gets full sun or bright, indirect light. However, if you can’t even get a ray of Mr. Sunshine, you can place your plants and veggies under grow lights to help them thrive and grow healthy.

Again, the amount of light your veggies or plants need can be seen on their tag. Some veggies and herbs require full sun of at least 6 to 8 hours to grow well.

Not Feeding Your Plants During Growing Season

Some experts say not to feed plants if you don’t know its fertilizer requirement, but of course, that’s not completely practical at all since plants and veggies get their nutrients from fertilizer. So before you buy that pot of tomato or greens, ask your local nursery store about its fertilizer requirements. The rule of thumb for feeding plants and veggies is to provide fertilizer every two weeks during spring and summer.

Not Checking Plants for Pests or Disease

OK, so we’ve encountered newbies underwatering and overwatering, but there are a few who still makes this container gardening mistake of not checking the plant’s leaves or veggies for pests or disease. Prune and remove your plant’s dead leaves to help them grow healthy and lush. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth too.

If you notice pests lingering on the leaves or common signs of disease, immediately take appropriate actions to solve the problem. If you think it would be best to cut off the part with the disease or infested with pests. then do it to save your plant from dying, and to save your other plants from getting sick and infested.

Be sure to avoid these container gardening mistakes to achieve that beautiful and lush garden of your dreams! Check out our Plant Care blog to learn more about different houseplants and tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.

Whatever houseplant you choose to transform your home into a lively oasis, you’ll definitely need a stylish planter to display your plant baby in. No matter what your style, there’s an Omysa planter that will be perfect with your garden and home’s décor. From ceramics to fiberstone, check out Omysa’s Shop and add it to your cart!