10 Things You’re Adding to Your Garden That Are Slowly Killing It

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For so many, gardening is a relaxing hobby, allowing you to unwind, connect with nature and create a little bit of paradise outside the door. In our quest to create the perfect garden, we sometimes add things that might seem helpful, but really end up being a culprits of more harm than good. It’s often well intentioned additions that make our green oasis a little too dangerous a place for the plants.

Then, how do you know if you are unintentionally making things harder than they’re supposed to be for your garden? There are certain fertilizers and even some of your ‘quick fixes’ that you think are helpful only to stunt growth, invite pests, or worse, do real harm to the soil. Some garden additives may be doing more harm than good let’s take a close look.

Chemical Fertilizers

Chemical fertilizers may give quick boost to it but not the best option for a long term healthy garden. Frequently these fertilizers contain high levels of salts, and over time, salts can accumulate in the soil, destroying plant roots and depleting the soil’s fertility. Better options are natural compost or organic fertilizers, that give the plants the nutrients they need without putting the soil health at risk.

Excessive Mulch

Mulching will help keep moisture and can prevent weeds, but too much mulch will suffocate your plants. If a layer of mulch is that thick, it won’t allow water to penetrate to plant roots and it can even be a breeding ground for fungal growth. As long as you keep the mulch layer thin and spread it evenly around at the base of plants, you won’t have these problems.

Too Much Water

In truth, plants can die of drowning! And one of the common mistakes that cause root rot and poor growth is overwatering. Most plants don’t need water every day, and in most cases, they don’t mind a little drought. A general rule is to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, so as to encourage deeper, stronger roots.

Synthetic Pesticides

Pesticides might temporarily solve pest problems, but they can also be harsh on beneficial insects, such as bees and lady bugs, as well as on your plants. Another trick these chemicals play is by killing off helpful organisms that help plant growth and pollination. To fight pests in your garden, instead, try alternative methods, like neem oil, or companion planting before you use chemicals.

Uncomposted Manure

Fresh manure might sound like a nutrient enriched solution, but it can also burn your plants because of high ammonia levels. According to Winsconsin Horticulture, manure that has not been uncomposted can contain harmful bacteria also. Compost the manure first or purchase pre composted options that are safe for your plants.

Chemicals Treated Lawn Clippings

Turning your lawn clippings into mulch might seem smart, until you realize that if your lawn clippings have been treated with chemicals or herbicides, you’re then adding those same toxins back into your garden. These substances can interfere with soil health, and may harm delicate plants. For safer results stick to untreated clippings or composted material.

Soil Amendments Not Balanced Properly

It’s normal to amend soil with lime or sulfur, but only if you actually know what your soil’s pH is. Adding these can be counter productive without that knowledge. If you garden on soil that is already balanced in PH, amendments such as these can disrupt nutrient absorption, so plants have to struggle to thrive. The best thing to do is to test your soil and then add only what’s really needed.

Planting Non-Native Species

Exotic plants may look stunning, but they can swiftly overrun your garden consuming all the nutrients and space that belongs to native plants. Spray your plants with some of these and watch as the pests leave your garden’s natural ecosystem. Use native plants whenever possible that are adapted to your climate and soil; a harmonious environment will be the results.

Plastic Weed Barriers

Nicely, and often, plastic weed barriers seem easy peasy as they remove the weeds—but they might hurt that garden in the future more than help. Since water and air can’t penetrate these barriers, there’s poor root development. But over time they can break down and leave plastic residues in the soil too. Choose fabric barriers or organic mulching.

Rock Mulch in Hot Climates

Genius Ways to Transform Your Landscaping with Rocks — Photo Credit: Coernl/Pixabay

They may look pretty, but actually rocks can make your garden a little desert, especially if you live in a hot climate. Crazy Green Thumbs reports that rock mulch absorbs heat and radiates it, raising the soil temperature, and stressing the plants that can’t handle the conditions. When it comes to mulch, opt for organic mulches that not only serve to keep the soil cool, but keep moisture too.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.