3 Mistakes I Made Starting My Garden (and What I Learned)

When I first decided to start my own garden, I was brimming with enthusiasm but had little clue what I was doing. I imagined a lush oasis sprouting fresh herbs for my kitchen, vibrant flowers for my balcony, and an abundance of veggies for my meals. But here’s the thing about gardening—even when you start with the best of intentions, mistakes are bound to happen.

Now, looking back, those early errors became some of the most valuable lessons in my gardening journey. If you're just starting out as a gardener, especially in an urban space, I hope you'll find my story both helpful and reassuring. Here are three mistakes I made when I planted my first seeds, and what they taught me.

1. I Started Too Big, Too Soon

When the gardening bug bit, I went all in. I bought pots, seeds, soil, and even fancy tools, determined to grow everything from tomatoes to lavender in my little urban space. What I didn’t anticipate was just how much effort a large, diverse garden demands. Within weeks, I was overwhelmed. Plants were wilting from neglect, pests were partying on my basil, and I had no idea how to handle it all.

What I Learned

Start small. Begin with just a few plants, and focus on learning how to care for them properly. For me, that meant starting with easy-to-grow herbs like mint and parsley. These hardy plants gave me the confidence to expand gradually. By taking it slow, you give yourself the chance to truly enjoy the process without the stress of maintaining too much.

Pro Tip  

Choose plants that require similar care so you can create a routine. For example, group sun-loving herbs like rosemary and thyme together. Check out my companion planting guide below

2. I Didn’t Research My Environment

I’ll admit it—I got caught up in visions of a bountiful garden and skipped over one crucial step: researching what would actually thrive in my local climate and soil conditions. I tried planting tropical flowers that needed full sun in a shady corner and vegetables that demanded loamy soil in containers filled with clay-heavy dirt. Unsurprisingly, many of my plants struggled.

What I Learned

Your garden will only be as good as the foundation you build for it. Before planting anything, learn about your local climate, the amount of sunlight your space gets, and the type of soil you’re working with. Adjust your plant choices and care routine accordingly. Once I started growing native flowers and veggies suited to container gardening, things turned around.

Pro Tip  

If you’re unsure about your soil quality, invest in a simple soil-testing kit. It’s a small step that can make the world of difference in your garden’s success.

I created a planner that I wish I had when starting out - see below

3. I Neglected Watering and Sunlight

This one is painful to admit, but I lost some good plants to improper care. I either overwatered or completely forgot to water my plants. Add to that a lack of consideration for sunlight, and it’s no wonder some of my veggies never made it past the seedling stage.

What I Learned

Plants aren’t magic (though they sometimes feel that way!). Each one has specific needs for water and sunlight, and too much or too little of either can be detrimental. One trick that changed everything for me was setting up a simple watering schedule. Morning watering works best for most plants, as it helps prevent diseases that thrive in damp, nighttime conditions.

Pro Tip  

For urban gardeners with limited shade or sun, try using moveable containers to position plants in the right light throughout the day.

Bonus Lessons and Final Thoughts

Beyond these specific mistakes, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that gardening isn’t about perfection. It’s a practice rooted in patience and adaptability. I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be the gardener I am today without those early missteps.

Here are a few additional tips to set you up for success:

• Invest in Quality Tools: A good trowel, gloves, and pruning shears can make gardening more efficient and enjoyable.

• Enrich Your Soil: Add compost or organic fertilizers to boost your soil’s health and nourish your plants.

• Join a Gardening Community: Whether online or local, connecting with fellow gardeners opens up endless opportunities to learn and share.

Gardening has become such a rewarding part of my life, not just for the fresh produce and beautiful blooms, but also for the sense of peace and fulfillment it brings. If you’re feeling unsure about starting your garden, remember that every great garden begins with a single seed.