2026 GARDENING DO’S AND DON’TS

The New Year is well under way and I’m sure that all of us have resolved to be better gardeners in 2026. This week, as in past years, I would like to share some useful do’s and don’ts of gardening that, hopefully, will help us in this effort.

Gardening Do’s 

• Do plan your garden layout to match sunlight, soil, and water needs.
• Do start small to avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Do, if possible, enrich your soil with compost and organic matter before planting.
• Do water plants deeply at the soil level, preferably in the morning, to encourage deep roots and prevent fungus disease issues.
• Do mulch to retain moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Do space plants correctly, allowing room for mature growth and good air circulation.
• Do deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms and keep the garden looking tidy.
• Do check often for pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Do choose plants suited to your climate (hardiness zone). 
• Do fertilize the lawn in late summer to early fall. Grass has the ability to store carbohydrates over the winter, which it produces thanks to fertilizer; so when spring comes, your lawn will look lush and green.
• Do pay attention to the depth that seeds should be planted. Always read your seed packets for this information because planting seeds too deep or too shallow can cause the seed to fail to sprout or dry out the seed too quickly.

Gardening Don’ts

• Don’t work soil when it’s wet, as it compacts and destroys soil structure.
• Don’t plant heat-loving vegetables or flowers too early in spring; wait for warm soil and warm nights.
• Don’t overcrowd plants, which leads to competition for resources and increased pest/disease risk.
• Don’t water plant leaves, which can cause fungal problems; water the roots instead.
• Don’t over-fertilize. It can harm plants and the environment.
• Don’t walk in your garden beds. This compacts the soil, inhibiting plant growth. If you must walk amongst your plants, put down a board to walk on to distribute your weight evenly.
• Don’t overwork the soil. It should not be the consistency of fine powder. Instead, it should have a wide range of particle sizes and a fairly coarse feel.
• Don’t ignore signs of disease. If you see pests or disease, treat the plant with the recommended herbicide or insecticide or remove the plant so the problem doesn’t spread.
• Don’t throw away the fallen leaves from your trees. Chop them up and either put them in your compost pile or spread them on your garden and till them in the soil. They will improve your soil.
• Don’t plant glossy privet, wisteria, or Bradford pears-anywhere.
• Don’t overwater your houseplants. Wait until the soil in their pot feels dry to the touch. Then water until a small amount of excess water drains through the bottom of the pot.
• Don’t plant shrubs and trees too close to your house. Give them plenty of room, keeping in mind their size at maturity.

I hope these do’s and don’ts will help you in your gardening endeavors this year.

More do’s and don’ts to come.

Tim Lewis is a Georgia Green Industry Association Certified Plant Professional, gardening writer, and former Perry High School horticulture instructor. He can be reached at (478)954-1507 or timlewis1@windstream.net.