Complete Gardening
Like many gardeners, I’ve made my fair share of planting mistakes. From chasing trends to ignoring my local climate, I’ve learned (often the hard way) that not everything belongs in my garden—no matter how pretty or popular it may be.
The moment I got selective about what I grew, my garden started to thrive. Here are 19 things I stopped planting—and why you might want to reconsider them, too.
1. Mint in the Ground
Mint, if not properly contained, can become your garden’s most unruly guest. This fast-growing herb spreads like wildfire, popping up in every corner, and soon overtakes your precious garden space.
I learned this the hard way when my once-organized herb patch turned into a mint jungle. Now, I keep mint safely tucked away in pots, where it can’t overrun my other plants.
It’s a simple change with a big impact—my garden is tidier, and I still enjoy fresh mint for my teas. If mint’s unruliness isn’t something you’re ready to tackle, consider the pot-in-pot method for containment.
2. Bamboo
Bamboo’s allure lies in its rapid growth and exotic appeal, but it can become a gardener’s nightmare. Once established, this hardy plant doesn’t know when to stop, pushing up shoots all over the place.
It quickly transforms a serene garden into a forested battleground. Although I admired its towering elegance, the relentless spread was too much. Now, I leave bamboo to public gardens where it can flourish without taking over.
My advice? Enjoy bamboo’s beauty from afar unless you’re ready for a battle with nature. If you must plant it, consider clumping varieties that are less invasive.
3. Invasive Groundcovers
English ivy, with its ability to cover bare soil swiftly, might seem like a gardener’s dream. However, its aggressive nature means it can suffocate everything in its path. I learned this the hard way when my garden beds disappeared beneath a sea of ivy.
Switching to native groundcovers brought harmony back to my beds and peace of mind. Native plants offer the same soil protection without overpowering other garden residents.
English ivy’s charm is deceptive; be cautious of its overpowering embrace if you’re considering it for your garden. Trust me, your garden’s ecosystem will thank you.
4. Hybrid Tea Roses
The elegance of hybrid tea roses once captivated my gardening heart. However, their high-maintenance nature—prone to pests and diseases—soon became overwhelming. These roses demand constant care, from regular pruning to vigilant disease prevention.
After many seasons of battling black spots and mildew, I switched to more resilient shrub roses. These hardy alternatives offer all the charm with none of the fuss, thriving effortlessly in my garden.
If you’re seeking beauty without the burden, consider roses that don’t require a horticultural degree to maintain. Your garden will flourish, and you’ll have more time to enjoy its beauty.
5. Thirsty Lawns
While not a single plant, lawns can dominate a gardener’s time and resources. My lush grass areas demanded relentless watering, mowing, and fertilizing to stay green. Converting portions of my lawn into native plant areas proved liberating.
Native plants require less water, thrive naturally, and bring biodiversity back to my garden. This transition reduced both my workload and water bill, turning my garden into a sustainable paradise.
If your lawn is guzzling water and demanding endless care, consider native plant alternatives. I promise, the transformation is well worth the effort, for both you and the environment.
6. Annuals That Need Constant Watering
Petunias and impatiens dazzled with their colorful blooms, but their thirst was unquenchable. In the summer heat, these annuals needed constant attention to prevent wilting. My water bill soared, along with my frustration.
Replacing them with drought-tolerant perennials eased the burden on both my pocket and my sanity. These resilient plants thrive with minimal care, offering vibrant colors without constant coddling.
If you’re weary of playing nursemaid to needy flowers, switch to hardier species. Your garden can still burst with life, without you having to be on watering duty every day.
7. Tender Perennials in Cold Climates
Cannas and dahlias dazzled in the summer but despised the winter chill. Each year, I dug them up and stored them, hoping they’d survive until spring. It was labor-intensive and often disappointing.
Eventually, I opted for perennials that brave the cold, sparing me the annual digging ritual. Hardy plants like sedums and ornamental grasses now thrive year-round, free of special treatment.
If your garden’s climate doesn’t suit tender perennials, embrace hardier varieties that withstand frost without fuss. Your garden can remain vibrant through winter, saving you time and effort.
8. High-Maintenance Vegetables
Lettuce and spinach proved too delicate for my warm climate, bolting at the first sign of heat. Their short-lived productivity was frustrating. I turned to kale and Swiss chard—vegetables that endure longer and require less attention.
These robust greens provide a more rewarding, extended harvest. If your garden experiences similar challenges, consider switching to hardier vegetables that align with your climate.
Your veggie patch can be more productive, with less stress and disappointment. Embrace crops that thrive with minimal interventions, and enjoy a more bountiful and satisfying gardening experience.
9. Tomatoes That Always Got Blight
Heirloom tomatoes, though delicious, broke my heart with their susceptibility to blight. Each season ended in disappointment as leaves yellowed and fruits failed. Switching to disease-resistant varieties was a game-changer.
These robust tomatoes thrive without constant worry, ensuring a plentiful harvest. If your tomato endeavors are fraught with disease, consider cultivars bred for resilience.
The joy of picking healthy, ripe tomatoes outweighs the allure of heirloom struggles. Your garden will thank you, and your kitchen will be filled with the flavor of triumph. Enjoy fresh, blight-free bounty with less headache and heartache.
10. Cheap Seed Mixes with Mystery Weeds
Bargain seed mixes seemed like a great idea until unexpected weeds popped up everywhere. These surprise guests often outcompeted my desired flowers. Investing in quality seeds from reputable suppliers brought harmony back to my flower beds.
Now, I enjoy true wildflowers without battling unwanted invaders. If you’re tempted by cheap mixes, remember that you might get more than you bargained for. Quality seeds ensure your garden stays true to your vision.
Trust in reliable sources and enjoy a garden where every bloom belongs, creating a more cohesive and beautiful landscape.
11. Trees Planted Too Close to the House
I once envisioned a shaded oasis, planting trees too near my home. Their roots, however, had other plans—lifting pavements and threatening foundations. Choosing trees with appropriate spacing saved my property from potential damage.
Now, I enjoy shade and security. If you’re contemplating tree placement, consider their mature size and root reach. Ensuring the right distance will safeguard your structures and maintain harmony.
Your garden can still offer cool retreats without compromising your home’s integrity. Plan wisely, and enjoy the benefits of well-placed, healthy trees.
12. Sun-Lovers in the Shade
Planting sun-loving flowers like coneflowers in shaded spots was a lesson in futility. They sulked, unable to thrive without ample sunlight. Replacing them with shade-tolerant species like hostas transformed these areas into lush havens.
If your sun-lovers seem discontent, consider swapping them for plants suited to your garden’s light conditions. Embrace the magic of matching plants to their preferred environments, and watch your garden come alive.
Balance is key, and when your plants are happy, your entire garden resonates with vibrant health and beauty.
13. Shade-Lovers in the Sun
Hydrangeas and astilbes, beautiful in their own right, suffered under the harsh sun. Their leaves scorched, and blooms withered, longing for the cool shade they thrived in. Transitioning to sun-loving varieties like lavender and yarrow brought new life to sun-drenched spots.
If your shade-lovers struggle under bright light, consider plants that bask in the sun instead. Your garden’s vibrancy depends on matching plants to their ideal environments.
Let your garden shine with the right choices, and enjoy the lush blooms and foliage that follow. Embrace the power of light to transform your space.
14. Aggressive Self-Seeders
Calendula and borage, with their cheerful blooms, seemed charming until they took over. Their seeds spread like wildfire, creating a jungle of unwanted plants. Controlling their spread became a constant chore.
By deadheading and confining them, I regained control of my garden’s narrative. If you’re dealing with rampant self-seeders, consider strategies to keep them in check.
Embrace the beauty of balance, and let your garden express itself without being overwhelmed. The right measures ensure your garden remains a curated masterpiece, not a chaotic canvas. Enjoy the elegance of nature in harmony.
15. Ornamental Grasses That Flop
Ornamental grasses looked stunning in catalogs, but flopped over in my garden, losing their structure and appeal. Seeking varieties with sturdy stems changed everything. These grasses now stand tall, adding elegance without the need for staking.
If your grasses succumb to gravity, explore options that maintain their form. Your garden deserves a landscape that flows with grace and stability.
Choose wisely, and enjoy the sight of resilient beauty swaying gently in the breeze. Let your garden’s architecture reflect your vision of effortless charm and strength.
16. Anything Just for Aesthetics
Aesthetics once led my plant choices, but I soon realized the importance of function. Plants that support pollinators and biodiversity now take priority. My garden flourishes with life, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds.
This change brought a deeper connection to nature and enhanced my garden’s vitality. If your garden is all show and no substance, consider plants that contribute to the ecosystem.
Beauty and purpose can coexist, making your space a sanctuary for all forms of life. Your garden will become a thriving habitat, bursting with color, sound, and energy.
17. Poisonous Plants with Pets and Kids Around
Foxgloves and oleanders, while beautiful, posed a risk to my family and pets. Their toxicity wasn’t worth the danger they brought into my garden. Safer alternatives now fill those spaces, offering peace of mind without sacrificing beauty.
If your garden hosts children and animals, prioritize safety in your plant choices. Ensuring a hazard-free environment allows everyone to enjoy the garden without worry.
Embrace plants that provide joy and security, crafting a space that’s as safe as it is stunning. Let your garden be a haven for all, where safety and splendor coexist.
18. Imported Species That Don’t Belong
Imported plants often brought more challenges than charm. Struggling to adapt, they required extra care and resources. Embracing native species transformed my garden into a resilient oasis.
These plants thrive naturally, needing less intervention and supporting local wildlife. If imported species are taxing your time and patience, consider native alternatives.
Your garden will flourish with less effort, becoming a natural extension of the surrounding environment. Let your garden be a celebration of local beauty, where every plant feels at home and every creature finds refuge.
19. What Everyone Else Was Growing
For years, I mimicked the gardens around me, chasing trends and missing my garden’s unique potential. Listening to my soil and climate made all the difference. My garden now reflects my personal style, full of character and individuality.
If you find yourself following the crowd, pause and explore what truly suits your space. Craft a garden that’s uniquely yours, full of surprises and delights that resonate with you.
Celebrate the joy of personal expression, and watch your garden transform into a reflection of your personality and creativity.