7 surprising things nobody tells you when you start gardening

Gardening can start with the feeling of entering an area where you will breathe fresh air and enjoy the greenery around. However, after several attempts, it is clear that starting to grow plants implies more work than simply growing something from seeds. Unexpected factors like weather changes, plant behavior, or unexpected obstacles make gardeners face some challenges. As experts and experienced gardeners say, the true learning curve of gardening starts only after getting one's hands dirty, and sometimes, there is no peace in gardening.

The biggest shock for novice gardeners is the fact that plants do not necessarily grow in those places where they are supposed to grow. Despite providing ideal conditions for planting, seeds can sprout unevenly or poorly. Moreover, there may be aggressive or silent plants in the garden that grow and affect other plants. Nature does its job and follows its own rules and logics, as gardening experts often say.

A lot of new gardeners think that plants need plenty of water to thrive. On the contrary, the most harmful thing for them is usually overwatering. It suffocates roots or leads to their decay. Different plants require a certain amount of water, and it is necessary to determine the individual needs of each of them. That is why professionals recommend monitoring the soil moisture level regularly.

It turns out that soil quality influences plant development significantly. Beginners may find out that poor soil may prevent plants from growing regardless of their species and quality. There are various factors that influence soil, like nutrients and its texture. That is why it is necessary to enrich poor soil with organic matter to create conditions for successful plant cultivation.

Pests are the next factor that may surprise people as gardeners because they usually think that their garden is completely isolated from outside influence. Unfortunately, pests usually appear very fast, despite the care gardeners take. It is necessary to control pests constantly because all plants are subject to insect infection. In order to avoid pests spreading in one's garden, it is better to use natural means.

Light is another factor that surprises new gardeners as it influences plant development significantly. People often misinterpret the amount of sunlight their garden receives. In fact, it can differ in intensity depending on the place and period. That is why it is recommended to measure the sunlight in order to place plants in appropriate places. Observing your garden may help a lot here.

New gardeners expect to see results quickly because their seeds were sown recently. However, the growth of plants takes weeks or months because fruits or vegetables follow the natural cycle that cannot be affected. Although it seems quite frustrating at the beginning, later experienced gardeners consider it a part of the gardening process because it teaches patience.

Besides technical challenges, gardening makes people feel emotions, which is unexpected for beginners. The pride for one's plants, satisfaction from the successful work, and feeling of calmness appear as gardeners watch plants grow. Additionally, this activity helps them relieve stress and become calmer. In the end, gardening turns into a rewarding hobby.