Beginning Organic Gardening Mistakes

4. Mulching on the trunk of trees - This is one that really gets my goat. I can't tell you how many professionals I've seen do this. They put about 12" of mulch right up to the trunk of the tree. The thick layer of mulch prevents water, air and nutrients from making it down to the soil. The mulch right up against the trunk provides a nice place for rodents to live and damage your tree. The mulch also encourages disease and rot to set in on the trunk. Leave a few inches between the mulch and the trunk. Never put mulch deeper than 2".

5.Forgetting that trees and shrubs grow. It's a fact of life. When you plant your trees and shrubs, check what their eventual size is going to be. Then take that into account when you place them. Many shrubs and trees are difficult to move. If you make a mistake, your only option may be to destroy the crowded plants. Even if you can move them, it can be very difficult. We had to move azalea bushes at a former house and it was not easy. So if the description says it grows 4-5' in diameter, don't plant them 2-3' apart. Use ground cover or annuals to fill in the space while you're waiting for the bushes to grow. And don't expect that you can trim a tree of shrub to fit your space. This rarely works and you end up with a funny looking plant that pleases no one. You're better off buying a dwarf variety to fit a smaller space.

Trees will grow and make shade. Half of the time we plant trees because they make shade. The other half of the time we forget they do this and expect our sun loving flowers to still thrive after the tree makes shade. Trees can eventually shade out entire gardens. They can grow right up against the house and damage siding. They can crowd each other. They can grow into power lines. Plan carefully before you plant.

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