New Gardeners Shouldn't Do This... (or Old Ones Too)

There are many things a gardener should do and a lot a gardener shouldn't do. Gardener Scott discusses 12 tips for new gardeners and highlights important practices that are best left undone and offers better alternatives for gardening success. (Video #341)
Join the Gardener Scott channel to get access to perks. Click the "JOIN" button or link here:
/ @gardenerscott
Click this link to SUBSCRIBE: / @gardenerscott
You can support the channel with Gardener Scott merchandise like T-shirts and mugs at the Gardener Scott Store: / @gardenerscott
To order a GreenStalk vertical garden system, click on this affiliate link:
lddy.no/kdvq
Use code "GARDENERSCOTT" for a $10 discount.
If you're looking for quality seeds and gardening supplies check out True Leaf Market:
www.pntrac.com/t/8-11415-2422...
If you use Amazon and want to buy anything at all, click through with this affiliate link: www.amazon.com/?tag=gardenersc...
Check out Gardener Scott's Recommended Gardening Books at: bookshop.org/shop/gardenerscott
#EnjoyGardening #GardenerScott
Links included in this description and referenced in videos might be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase a product or service with the links I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you for those affiliate links and your support allows me to provide free content every week on the Gardener Scott channel.
Thank you for your support!

[@FreeAmerican]

Everyone should grow as much food as possible this year. Your life may depend on it. Excellent video.

[@gailthornbury291]

I planted marigolds as companions for tomatoes in my greenhouse ( in ireland). They grew over four feet tall and took over entirely. Hadn’t remembered to check the height on seed packet….

[@simplifygardening]

Couldn't agree more with these tips. Especially the watering one. Gold right here folks.

[@Yankeesista203]

Yes indeed!!!!!

[@Yankeesista203]

I used to be one of those people that bought the plants as soon as they came out!😂That was many years ago! Watching your channel (over 7-8 yrs), has bought me in a great direction! Learning from your great and legendary expertise has bought a great deal of success for me! Thank you so much Gardener Scott! Take care! 👍🏿

[@shineyrocks390]

My last frost date is June 2. Talk about a challenge for growing season. I do alright but there's some plants I can grow but never harvest. Short and sweet that's what I'm working with.

[@freakygardener8033]

I LOVE how you said start small! My first year, was 2 buckets. Last year was 4 totes. This year I'm planning 6 totes, 5 buckets, and multiple small pots, for flowers! My family will be SO tired of tomatoes (the 6 totes) by fall! 😋

[@Annasbackyardgarden]

I have small space garden in my backyard and been gardening for 6yrs now and I still feel like a new gardener every time I start spring/fall planting. Thanks for good information.

[@heidiclark6612]

Great "Do Not Do This" tips for us gardeners! We are all guilty of doing things we should not do. Thank You for all the great information you provide us!

[@racebiketuner]

It's amazing how many "experienced" gardeners don't have a firm grasp on the basics.

[@edwardscillia2922]

Thank you so much Gardener Scott you make it sound like common sense

[@danajensen2935]

I’m adding 4raised beds to my garden this year (already have 2). Have been gardening for years, and I learn something new every year. I scrounge my neighborhood every fall for leaves to add to my gardens as mulch. My downfall every year is planning - I need to get better at that!

[@elvaquero5554]

After I started leaving things like predatory wasps alone to do their thing, I noticed that I haven't seen any tomato horn worms. I also have a bat house that works wonders for controlling mosquitoes in the summer. IMO, if there is a biological option for fixing a problem, it will always be superior to a chemical solution.

[@marktwain368]

What I like about you is that you seem credible and practical, Scott. You explain things, you demonstrate skill and good sense in what you do. I can trust what I learn here. Thanks!

[@highlandscommunityclub1160]

Ditto!!

[@kansascityonline]

good information.. I remodeled my back porch into a greenhouse.. A person on my social media page told me that I would find the 12'x12' area would be too small when I was growing things.. He was right! Of course still glad I have some space for a small greenhouse... The same person finally mentioned at the end of his reply that next year, he would build his new house INSIDE his greenhouse.. I found that quite funny.. yet..ironic.. :)

[@jordanaguon1]

Hey! We’re doing this same thing this year! Can’t wait for our back porch to be a green oasis!

[@kansascityonline]

@@jordanaguon1 nice!!...

[@racebiketuner]

Just noticed you have >250k subscribers. Congratulations!

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Oh! You are so right again. March will be our 47th year gardening and it took that long to be where we are at today. Mostly successful. There will be still bumps in the road, and that is how we learn too. We are old school with modern know how, if that makes any sense. Never fight nature. Mothers always win lol. Observation is a great way to learn too. We still experiment and sometimes it doesn't work out. So you tweak it next time. Enjoyed as always Gardener Scott! Take care!

[@jeffcampbell479]

A lot of my gardening experience (about 10years worth or more) has been mainly done by trial and error - mainly because I always have these (what if’s or hey I wanna try something new) I find I’ve gotten most of my knowledge about gardening this way and I enjoy gardening even more so over the years! By the way, the farther spacing of plants, the more vegetables I tend to get and more healthier of a plant too! 😉

[@1-Fitgirl]

Thanks for the tips Gardener Scott! Big box stores have tomato and pepper plants out already zone 8a. We have had some unseasonably warm temperatures lately. Last frost is usually end of March and occasionally have a surprise ones in April. I’m sure ppl will be tempted to buy.

[@melissab8500]

I'm in the same zone, it's a struggle every year not to plant in February when it's 85°. A gardener friend told me plant seeds, they're cheap. If it freezes plant them again, if it doesn't you're ahead of the game. Transplants are another game

[@davehendricks4824]

Most folks nowadays don’t even know how to plant a seed. And don’t know what a plant looks like from the food they eat. I even leave the hornworms on my tomato plants. They don’t eat enough to hurt anything. I feed my chickens the cabbage worms. Every living thing in my yard is part of the “family”.

[@Jennifer_Skinner]

I've tinkered with gardening over the years, mostly containers. I've just got my first 4x8 bed set up. Slowly lasagning it with what I can gather. Trying to do it right 🤞 It's already getting hot here in FL, so I'm hoping to have it just right by fall lol

[@joelmesh9127]

Excellent advice as always. Happy growing everyone.

[@brianseybert2189]

Sometimes, this time of the year I wonder what blunders am I preparing to put into action. Is it the placement of a new trellis or will I be able to support soil life in a grow bag. There are no guarantees in gardening and that is why I love it. We are faced with disappointments but also with wonderful surprises. I completely agree, the better we plan the more able we can be to adapt when things go wrong. Thanks for another great video.

[@DamfinoFarm]

I wound up with a ton of ladybugs on my potatoes last year. No idea what they were eating, but my taters did great so I didn't worry about them or whatever they were killing off.

[@FloridaGirl-]

As always! Great advice! 👍 SOIL and mulch are key!

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

I've noticed in the past couple of years that my tomatoes haven't done well in my greenhouse. Not sure why as nothing has changed in or around the greenhouse? I plant them in good soil and feed them over the summer months. This has been really good advice, where ever you live. I'm in England. You learn something new everyday. Thanks for sharing.

[@charlie5204]

Thanks for pointing out these topics. I went into some of them, if not all, as I just started 2-3 years ago :-) I'm on my learning curve and appreciate your tips. I'm trying to avoid some mistakes this year, but I'm sure not all will turn out as expected. But what's gardening without experiments to see what is possible ...

[@RealJasmineLove]

Best most informative gardening video I have seen yet! Thank you

[@tammyohlsson7966]

I always learn something from you! Thank you! Blessings!

[@barbs-q]

You're so right. Thanks I needed that.

[@goupigoupi6953]

My soil is too rich in potassium and poor in nitrogen and phosphorous. The pH is around 7.

[@robinholbrook8296]

I got some bad bags of soil at Lowes. Nothing would grow in it. It was dead I am sure. So I went in woods and dug up some dirt. Then my marigold seeds came right up. So if nothing comes up if you buy soil it probably bad soil.

[@umiluv]

The bags of soil are usually sterile. You have to amend with compost to give it the microbes the soils needs. The microbes help by turning things in the soil into nutrients the plants need.

[@sillyme8302]

Most soil you buy has to be mixed because it has hardly any nutrients until you mix it with nutrient rich medium also not likely to drain very well.

[@DahVoozel]

I might have several spreadsheets to plan out my indoor starts, outdoor sowing, and transplant times.

[@Geekchess]

This was a really thorough and educational video! A lot of the information in it was new to me, unlike a lot of the other generic channels that repeat the same information. Cheers!

[@michaelangelo6947]

Thank you.

[@lilianal-radi3993]

this was really helpful! thank you Scott! I've also experienced a lot of issues with eggplants

[@magenta4443]

I have never grown eqqplant as I don't like the taste. Do you have a way to fix it so it tastes good?

[@priestswife]

Enjoying your videos! Very inspiring

[@anitashiffler7268]

New gardener here. Thanks. I have been planning A LOT! I was beginning to wonder if I was over planning. I have a lot of notes. Praying it goes well☺

[@GardenerScott]

Planning is critical for success, so I'm guessing you will have much to be happy about at the end of the season.

[@LeverActionLarry]

Great tips as usual! Safe travels!

[@stephaniemills4839]

Thanks for this video.

[@michaelboom7704]

All makes sense to me....good video!

[@lispottable]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@debbybrady1246]

Great information.

[@rosem6604]

I'm beginning my third year as a container gardener. Flowers mainly. Also - garlic because it's magic how one clove makes a whole head :) they are almost ready. We have long, hot, sun-scorching-overhead summers. Even cacti hate them! Had to learn how to move my plants from the winter sunny spots to the north-east wall or under the leafy pecan trees from about May to October. Watering is surely a thing to learn, so important! This year I finally learned to be "cruel"... to pull out stuff that's less successful or thin those who overgrow even the biggest containers. And thin out the babies.. It took some courage at first but it has to be done. Be strong, people! One of the things I have not mastered yet is patience. Many of my flowers reseed and I only have to wait for them to come out at the right time. It was a short but very cold winter and I grew so impatient. Things took more time but now they are coming out in droves in the warm spring days. Pansies and snap dragons by the dozens! AND more summery babies already popping out. So happy. Thanks, Scott!

[@tamararoberts9307]

Thanks for the tips 👍 👌

[@missprettyplants7217]

Great tips!! loved this video .. so helpful to everyone :)

[@donaldmcdaniel1773]

Very interesting and useful information

[@kay6381]

Amazing teacher ❤️

[@takeitslowhomestead5218]

Excellent! Thanks. 🌱

[@earthsowingwithcynthia]

Hi I'm not a new gardner but I enjoyed the video it was thought-provoking tfs😊

[@tbluemel]

I wish I could give 100 thumbs up for this video! I have been gardening for 15+ years and I have learned every one of these great tips. This is why Garener Scott is one of my go-to gardening resources. Thank you!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Thom!

[@kathypope3010]

Thank you Great advice

[@lastchancemonicam3948]

Thank you G.S. May I add one thing to this list. Know your weeds. Weeds will tell you what's good or bad in the soil, and if you know your weeds, you can identify them when they are very young and pluck them before they have time enough to mature into a problem.

[@GardenerScott]

Good tip. Weeds do tell a lot.

[@MrPjcrews]

256k Subs. Awesome

[@RedStorm.]

Good info again.

[@Barrell60]

Thanks

[@donwilliams1193]

Thanks for the great videos I am new to all of this an your videos are helpful for me.

[@661Justice]

A lot of great advice. Funny that he basically tells us not to listen to what we see on the Internet as he posts his stuff on the Internet. Thanks for the GREAT work, Scott!

[@myrnaedmisten599]

Such good advice!

[@spfein]

In florida most crops will actually need a shade break mid day

[@devon932001]

My soil is under some snow and we just got up to 22° today. 🎉 Been down to -25 with wind chill, -2 during the day yesterday. Great video and information, for when it warms up. Cheyenne WY.

[@roymadison5686]

Wow, cold country, I am counting my blessings ...8a to 8b for me .

[@devon932001]

@@roymadison5686 We just got more snow. 16 degrees as of 3:07pm today with wind chill -1. But warmer temps coming. Just getting organized to start seeds, our last frost date is late May. So plant starts go into ground last week of May to first week of June.

[@PrettyAliceNight]

Great tips!

[@crystals14acregarden61]

I watch every new video. I appreciate all your help, and you're a great teacher. I'm trying to get started with youtube. I only have a cell phone, and I'm just starting to play around with editing. Any videos with tips would be great.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Check out these channels to help with your videos: Channel Makers, Film Booth, Video Creators, Derral Eves, Think Media

[@annlyder8657]

Great tips Scott

[@KatWrangler]

Great advice!

[@gonzaga45377]

As a new gardener I thought I was watering enough. Then I dug down a few inches and found only the top inch of soil was wet. The watering I was doing which seemed like a lot was accomplishing nothing. Soaker hoses fixed that problem.

[@mattingly1217]

I put it on 2x speed and can still understand every word

[@spfein]

As somebody who worked garden dept at lowes we don't know what color a flower will bloom into that's above our pay grade lol

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

Good content . 👍

[@recynd77]

Grow Bags are a GREAT way to start; they help with overwatering and they’re inexpensive. I even use a big one for compost.

[@sillyme8302]

Yep, I'm doing a grow bag garden this year I feel it gives me more control and is affordable because soils have gone crazy in price, and I need quite a bit.

[@recynd77]

@@sillyme8302 This year, I experimented with putting chipped bark-mulch at the bottom of the bags for the very reason you described: soil costs too much! Even supplementing with my own composting (so easy! Who knew?), bagged soil is crazy expensive! In previous years (and this one too, probably), I was able to buy compost in bulk at a nearby farm supply store. For about $20, I can get about a 1/4 ton, but you need a truck and a place to store it. Add some perlite, vermiculite, a little peat moss, and a bit of a long-acting fertilizer and you’re good to go. It’s far less expensive than buying bag after bag (after bag) of potting mix. Good luck with your garden!

[@sillyme8302]

@@recynd77 Thank you and yes, the idea of using chipped bark is a good one. It's hard to find good compost this year around here our only nursery hasn't reopened since the pandemic started and I'm kind of leery of anything from walmart being actual organic and safe to use. Use to be I could go to my aunts or uncle's farms and just use farm manure without worry of gmo's now it's almost like you have to do scientific research to avoid it in gardening.

[@trevor8049]

Yes. Everybody has an uncle Frank.

[@youtubesucksforforcingthis]

Definitely great tips for first starting out! Apparently too much Nitrogen can also cause an aphid problem. In my borough, it seems bad bugs are in greater abundance than good ones. Mexican bean beetles, cucumber beetles, aphids, corn flies/worms, cabbage moths/worms, vine borers, ants, that darn bug that causes curly top in tomatoes, I've got them all. My problem is that I strive to not use pesticides and then by the time I start it's already out of control.

[@GardenerScott]

Keep planting flowers and herbs and ornamental grasses. they can help attract the beneficial predatory insects.

[@youtubesucksforforcingthis]

@@GardenerScott Thanks for the tip! I'm definitely planning to up the amount of herbs this year. I also have indian grass and big blue stem seed that I plan to start in a couple weeks. Hopefully that helps!

[@truthhunter3538]

Thank You Scott!

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Scot I'm going into my second year of gardening and yeah I learned quick that lettuces don't like too much sun. I'm planning around that this upcoming season. I'm also looking forward to seeing your new shade garden!

[@randomness8819]

Thank u sir for your tips. I wish i would of found you earlier b4 investing but Im glad Im here now. Sir could you make a vid on miracle berry care plz? I need help😭

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

We grew acres of produce.... 44 yrs ago. 😎

[@RockinL7BuckingBulls]

Hello Scott getting to be that time. As I live in Colorado as you, just when do you start your seeds? Also my carrots were freaks all stubby and small but good eats. Thank you Scott.

[@GardenerScott]

I use the recommended start time on seed packets before my last frost date. So I start seeds between March and May, depending on the plant.

[@umiluv]

The gardener’s almanac has a great resource online where you can put in your zip code and they give you average times to plant seeds both indoors and outdoors. They’ll give you the average last frost date. It’s very helpful.

[@brian752]

I want to build a raised bed but due to a large deer population it will have to be fenced completely around. Whats the best way to fence a raised bed but still be able to easily tend to the crop?

[@GardenerScott]

I've used T-posts and welded wire fencing with good success. I've also used hoops and bird netting over individual beds that deer didn't bother.

[@cephieramalygos6279]

I want to start my first garden. But I don't know if a raised garden or a ground garden would be best. From your videos maybe tomatoes and peppers might be best for me as a beginner. I live in 5b zone. Also do you have any books that you've written. I would love to buy one. Thank you so much for making all your videos. They've given me that extra push to start one.

[@recynd77]

Try a couple of Grow Bags first. You can get them in any size on Amazon. I prefer the felt ones over plastic, and you’ll want them to be at LEAST five gallons (I prefer 10-15 gal, but they require more soil). Good luck and happy growing!

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you. I don't have a book but my many videos cover a lot of information. Tomatoes are a good place to start. Have fun.

[@cottoncandypoms]

Do we need to put a grass fabric down to put the wood chips on?

[@GardenerScott]

No you don't. A thick layer of wood chips is effective at suppressing most weeds and grass.

[@theurzamachine]

Gardener Scott. Not sure if you may know the answer but based on your understanding, are synthetic fertilizers bad if 1) used in extremely small amounts 2) used to grow other plants which are then composted My understanding is that the only synthetic fertilizer is Urea (which we pee anyway) and the phosphorus and potassium are mined from mineral deposits that would otherwise be unavailable to plants. Suppose a plant requires 1g of N, P and K and we provide it with exactly 0.25g of each (synthetic), would this have a negative effect on the garden soil life? I've been reading a lot about soil science and the main point that is brought up seems to be that the soil health is not maintained when using synthetic fertilizers. Personally, I'm all about cutting costs and taking a more scientific approach to growing so I measure out the amount of fertilizer for each plant. As for feeding the soil, I dump all of my organic waste and till the fall leaves into the garden at the beginning and end of the season. Would synthetic fertilizers cause harm in this situation?

[@GardenerScott]

Synthetic fertilizers can disrupt the soil life. They can be okay in small amounts and the plants can be used in compost. With the organic matter in the soil fertilizers may no longer be necessary.

[@derkphelps8480]

What do you grow on the verticle trellis in the background?

[@GardenerScott]

I grow flowers like Cardinal flower and Firecracker vine.

[@savanajack]

Hey Gardener Scott, is that a new greenhouse I see? If so what is the brand name?

[@GardenerScott]

It is a Planta greenhouse.

[@michaelcook2459]

💚

[@justgivemethetruth]

What do you think about spraying soap on bugs instead of any insecticide, or using diatomaceous earth to kill bugs?

[@GardenerScott]

Diatomaceous Earth is a great way to kill bugs, but it does need to be reapplied after watering or a rain. Soap can work too, but if I can see the bug to spray soap I usually just pluck it off the plant.

[@tabandken8562]

Oh, so I shouldn't have 720 seedlings going for my first garden? Ooops...

[@justgivemethetruth]

I am still a new gardener .. and there is so much to know ... too much to know. And mostly there is so much BS out there, like in real life, there is a lot of liars and miscreants.

[@lisayip4305]

👍

[@justgivemethetruth]

1. Don't over-water. 2. Don't forget to water, underwater. Argh .... It's hard to get right.

[@derkphelps8480]

at about 9:40 in your beds.

[@sybilleroger6483]

I was told that mulch causes a change in soil acidity. I want to use mulch but my partner says it changes the soil acidity. Is that true?

[@GardenerScott]

Organic mulch really won't change the pH dramatically. When soil organisms break it down the resulting pH is close to neutral.

[@sybilleroger6483]

@@GardenerScott Thank you for your response Gardener Scott. This is my first time in owning a pot of land so I am in year one for setting up my garden. I am looking at all your videos and I am very grateful for them. Would you be able to make one on how you organise your storage / shed area / tools ? I have an old cabin that I want to organise as a garden shed for tools / potting area / seed keeping and I would appreciate good practice ideas.

[@brianschindler1511]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@gaildunn8047]

How to water tomatoes?

[@GardenerScott]

Water as often as needed to have consistently moist soil.

[@ggstorm9777]

🌱👍

[@Aglaja_]

Mulching with first straw, later sheepwool was a complete disaster. Slugs took over and hid in the mulch. Cannot recommend it.

[@cypherknot]

Or old ones 'either'.

[@JaniceCrowell]

But some of the weeds in your garden are more nutritious than the plants.

[@elcomodo1]

Mutahar format

[@zozofairaday4711]

Those are mostly husband's posting nonsense ideas, not wives!