Unrealistic Expectations
started and just coming into bloom. Over the years, I have grown most annuals myself, both professionally and as an amateur, just to see how they would grow. From that experience, I know that you don't save any money doing it yourself and the quality of your transplants isn't likely to be as good as you can buy either unless you have lights.
The biggest unreal expectation of all is the belief in "magic bullets". We all would like a pill to cure cancer, but we know it isn't going to happen right now. But many gardeners believe that fertilizer is the cure for whatever is wrong with their plants. That is true if and only if the problem is a nutritional deficiency. If the problem is environmental, insect, disease, drought or anything else, fertilizer can make the problem worse instead of better.
Likewise, there is no "magic bullet" for controlling weeds or insects. You have to know which pest you are dealing with and treat it at the right time in the right way. If you choose the chemical alternative, you must read and heed the label.
The best way to enjoy gardening is to relax and enjoy gardening. If you find it to be a chore, don't do it. Gardening is good exercise, but anything can be overdone. Work at your own pace in the sunshine, then rest with a cold drink where you can admire your handiwork. Learn to live with a realistic set of expectations and remember that gardens, like children, usually turn out all right if we relax and enjoy life with them.
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