Five things that could be damaging your garden

Green-fingered Brits are being told of the five things they could be doing in the garden that are  causing more harm than good.

The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared cutting the lawn too short and over using fertilisers could be killing plants and grass.

They’ve also stated that removing natural debris from the lawn and soil beds robs these areas of additional nutrients.

Experts advise leaving some leaves and other organic matter to break down and provide extra nutrients to the lawn and plants.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress said: “There are a few common mistakes people make when it comes to gardening that could mean they’re causing more harm than good to their outdoor spaces.

“One of the main mistakes people make is over watering. Many people end up over watering their plants failing to take into account the weather in their watering schedule.

“If there’s been a heavy downpour, you may be able to get away without watering for a day or two depending on what your plants need.

“Another mistake that could cost you is mowing the lawn too short. A tidy lawn is great but it’s very easy to over do it. Cutting the lawn too short prevents the grass from being able to absorb the sun and water.”

Five things that could be damaging your garden:

Overwatering

Having a watering schedule is important but many gardeners make the mistake of over watering which can lead to poor plant health and fungal diseases. It’s important to build a watering schedule that is tailored to your plants needs. Keeping an eye on the weather is also crucial as this can change how often your plants need to be watered.

Mowing the lawn too short

Grass uses the sun and water to generate energy and provide itself with those all important nutrients it needs to grow properly. Cutting the grass short limits how much sun and water it can absorb meaning it won’t generate enough nutrients.

Over using fertilisers

Chemical fertilisers can burn plants and lead to stunted growth and discoloured leaves when over used. Using an excessive amount of fertiliser provides plants with far too many nutrients than they can absorb. These nutrients build up and can become toxic to plants, causing them harm.

Removing all natural debris

Every gardener loves a neat and tidy space but leaving some natural debris on your lawn and soil beds can have its benefits. Leaves and other organic matter can be beneficial to your soil and provide it with nutrients as they break down.

Pruning too early

If you’re new to gardening you may be pruning your plants too early. This can cause plants to weaken and make them more susceptible to diseases. The best time for pruning will depend on each individual plant but ideally you’ll want to do it in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant.