Using Vinegar as a Weed Killer – While vinegar can kill weeds, it also harms surrounding plants and alters soil pH, making it less hospitable for future growth.
Planting Too Close Together for a ‘Full Look’ – Crowding plants restricts airflow, encourages disease, and forces them to compete for nutrients, leading to weaker growth.
Over-Mulching Your Garden – While mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, too much can suffocate plant roots, promote rot, and attract pests.
Watering Plants Every Day – Frequent shallow watering encourages weak roots. Deep, less frequent watering promotes stronger, more drought-resistant plants.
Adding Coffee Grounds Directly to Soil – Coffee grounds are acidic and can harm plants that prefer neutral or alkaline soil. Composting them first is a better option.
Using Dish Soap as a Natural Pesticide – While it may kill pests, dish soap strips plant leaves of protective oils, causing dehydration and damage.
Pruning Trees and Shrubs in Late Fall – Cutting branches before winter makes plants vulnerable to frost damage, stunting growth in the spring.
Relying Only on Chemical Fertilizers – Synthetic fertilizers provide a quick boost but deplete soil health over time. A mix of compost and organic amendments leads to sustainable growth.