Short, practical fixes for beginners: balcony growers, kitchen gardeners and small
farms.
gardening is hugely forgiving if you know the common mistakes. Below are the ten mistakes beginners make most often and quick, realistic fixes that actually work.
1) Overwatering
The mistake : Thinking ‘more water = better results’. Overwatering causes yellowing, root rot and fungus gnats.
Fix : Check the soil before you water. Stick your finger 2–3 cm into the soil. If it’s moist, wait. Use pots with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Something our Biosar Moti can solve quite eassily.
Pro tip : A cheap moisture meter removes any doubt.
2) Wrong light for the plant
The mistake : Putting a sun-loving plant in a dim corner (or vice versa). Many problems that look like disease are just light stress.
Fix : Match plant to place. Learn whether a plant wants full sun, part sun, or shade. Move newly bought plants outdoors gradually, do not shock them.
Pro tip : Use south/south-west windows for sun lovers; north windows for low-light plants.
3) Using the wrong soil / potting mix
The mistake : Using garden soil in pots (it compacts, holds too much water).
Fix : Use a light potting mix formulated for containers. Amend garden beds with compost rather than just loose garden earth.
Pro tip : For succulents use a specialist cactus mix like Biosar Power; for vegetables use a loam-based potting mix with compost like Biosar Hira.
4) Poor drainage / no pot holes
The mistake : Pots without holes or saucers that keep roots waterlogged.
Fix : Always ensure drainage holes; lift pots slightly with pot feet or broken tiles so water can escape. Repot into containers with good drainage if needed.
Pro tip : Add a 2–3 cm layer of coarse grit at the bottom only when re-potting very sandy mixes, otherwise focus on good mix and holes.
5) Overcrowding seeds / not thinning seedlings
The mistake : Sowing too many seeds in one pot or bed and never thinning equals to weak, leggy plants and diseases follow.
Fix : Sow at the recommended spacing and thin to the strongest seedlings. Use separate seed trays if you want high germination.
Pro tip : Save thinned greens as baby salads where edible = no waste.
6) Feeding too much or at the wrong time
The mistake : Dumping fertiliser because ‘plants need food’ can burn roots or cause excessive leafy growth with poor flowering/fruiting.
Fix : Feed during active growth (spring/summer) at recommended doses. Cut back in winter. Use balanced slow-release fertiliser or small liquid feeds for pots.
Pro tip : If leaves brown at the edges after feeding, flush the pot (water thoroughly) and cut the next feed dose by half.
7) Ignoring pests or overusing pesticides
The mistake : Either ignoring pests until heavy damage or spraying indiscriminately, killing beneficial insects.
Fix : Study your plants or weekly, learn to identify common pests, and use IPM: remove by hand, set traps (Biosar Trap), use biocontrols (Biosar Doctor Tee) and only use targeted pesticides when thresholds are met.
Pro tip : Take photos and send them to an agronomist or your WhatsApp support before spraying. You can also contact us at Biosar’s Whatsapp at +919163398661.
8) Choosing plants unsuited to your climate or space
The mistake : Buying impulse plants that won’t get enough light or are not suited to your region.
Fix : Read plant labels (light, mature size, temperature). Start with easy, forgiving plants (basil, mint, marigolds, snake plant).
Pro tip : Ask local nurseries or ‘KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA’ for varieties recommended for your district.
(https://krishijagran.com/agripedia/5-worst-gardening-mistakes-that-beginners-often-make/)
9) Starting too big and then giving up
The mistake : Trying to convert an entire balcony or 10 beds on day one and getting overwhelmed.
Fix : Start small: 2–4 pots or a single raised bed. Build stepwise as you gain wins and confidence.
Pro tip : Plan a 30-day mini project (sow, water, harvest) to learn cycles.
10) Not keeping notes
The mistake : Not tracking sowing dates, seed lots, fertiliser used or problems. This will lead to your repeat mistakes.
Fix : Keep a simple log: sowing date, seed source, watering schedule, yields or harvest dates, pest events. A phone note or spreadsheet is enough.
Pro tip : Add one photo per week, progress is easier to diagnose visually.
Quick Checklist :
• Check drainage + pot holes.
• Finger-test soil before watering.
• Match plant to light and move if needed.
• Thin seedlings and re-pot root-bound plants.
• Scout weekly for pests and take & save photos.
• Feed lightly during active growth only.
• Keep a one-page log (dates + actions).
How Biosar can help
• Starter kits (Amazon) : Potting mixes, seed trios, and small nutrient trial packs for beginners.
• WhatsApp agronomy : Send a photo, get quick diagnosis and exact product suggestions.
• Guides & Blogs : Short how-to information (watering, thinning, pot selection) you can print & pin beside your pots.
References
• https://www.bhg.com/houseplant-care-mistakes-8421147
• https://www.thespruce.com/signs-of-overwatering-houseplants-8647868
• https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-inspiration/get-gardening/top-five-gardening-myths
• https://www.gardenary.com/blog/beginner-gardener-mistakes-to-avoid
• https://krishijagran.com/agripedia/5-worst-gardening-mistakes-that-beginners-often-make/
• https://kvkwestkhasihills.nic.in/publication/Training%20Manual_2018%20-
%20KVK%20West%20Khasi%20Hills.pdf