From putting tender plants outside too early to mowing the lawn too short, here are the things I’ll never do:
1. Not feeding my seedlings
I never grow seedlings without using liquid feed. Switching to peat-free compost can sometimes mean seedlings don’t thrive, and our research shows that liquid feeding is key to growing them well. Use a general-purpose feed as soon as the first true leaves appear, and they’ll grow green and strong.
2. Using seed compost only once
I never use seed compost just once. You can reuse it several times throughout the season to cut costs. And I always recommend using a Best Buy seed compost – even big-name brands have struggled to support plant growth this year, so avoid the ones labeled as Don’t Buy.
3. Sowing most vegetables outdoors
I never sow vegetables outdoors—except for carrots and parsnips. You get more reliable results by sowing in a module tray indoors and transplanting them later. So, if you’re sowing most of your veggies directly outside, you’re wasting money.
4. Cutting my lawn too short
I never cut my lawn too short. Longer grass stays greener and allows flowering plants like daisies to bloom, which helps pollinators. I recommend simply setting your mower to its highest setting.
5. Planting tender plants too early
I never plant tender plants outside before the last frost. These are often sold when nights are still too cold for them—plants like potted flowers and tender vegetables such as courgettes can die from frost. Keep them in a greenhouse or wait until mid-May to buy and plant them.
