--- title: Why Won't My Garden Grow? 3 Mistakes According to Mary description: We often see homeowners make these three mistakes when trying to grow an attractive, healthy garden. image: https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/Gallery/Album/Stock_photos/soil-766281_640.jpg --- [781.488.3200](tel:781.488.3200) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/Moodscapes/) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/moodscapes/) - [**](https://twitter.com/MoodscapesLLC) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/moodscapes-llc/) - [**](https://www.pinterest.com/moodscapes/) [![moodscapes](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/moodscapes-theme-2017/images/logo.png?width=252&height=88&name=logo.png "moodscapes")](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com) [ Schedule Consultation ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-consultation-free-15-minute-call) - Services - [Landscape Design & Build](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-design-services) - [Ecological Landscape Maintenance & Gardening](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/ecological-landscape-maintenance-gardening) - [Schedule Consultation](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-consultation-free-15-minute-call) - Towns We Serve - [Arlington](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/arlington-ma) - [Belmont](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/belmont-ma) - [Lexington](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/lexington-ma) - [Newton](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/newton-ma) - [Watertown](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/watertown-ma) - [Winchester](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/winchester-ma) - [Portfolio](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-design-portfolio) - [Backyard Entertainment Areas](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/backyard-entertainment-areas) - [Backyard Oasis](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/backyard-oasis-landscape-design) - [Contemplation Areas](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/contemplation-area-landscape-design) - [Fall Landscapes](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/fall-landscape-design-examples) - [Hardscapes](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hardscapes-landscape-design) - [Strolling Gardens](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/strolling-gardens-landscape-designs) - [Terraced Landscapes](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/terraced-landscapes) - [Texture and Color Gardens](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/texture-and-color-gardens) - [Water Features](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/water-feature-landscape-designs) - [Welcoming Front Yard](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/welcoming-front-yard-design-examples) - [Woodland Garden](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/woodland-gardens-landscape-design-examples) - [Testimonials](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/testimonials) - [Contact](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/contact) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog) - [8 Essential Elements of a Spectacular Outdoor Living Space](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/essential-elements-of-a-spectacular-outdoor-living-space-youll-want-to-spend-all-day-in) - [How to Maintain Your Landscape and Transform It Into a Beauty You’ll Love](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/how-to-maintain-your-landscape-and-transform-it-into-a-beauty-youll-love) - [10 Common Gardening Mistakes that Hurt the Environment](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/common-gardening-mistakes-that-hurt-environment) - [13 Insider Tips to Creating a Beautiful Contemplation Garden](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/insider-tips-for-beautiful-contemplation-garden) - [Questions to Think About Before a Landscape Consultation](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/questions-to-think-about) [Landscaping Tips](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/topic/landscaping-tips) | 2 min read June 2019 | [Judith Lipson- Rubin](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/author/judith-lipson-rubin) # Why Won't My Garden Grow? 3 Mistakes According to Mary ![Why Won't My Garden Grow? 3 Mistakes According to Mary](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/Gallery/Album/Stock_photos/soil-766281_640.jpg) Now that we’re into June and the summer solstice is only a few weeks away, it’s time for the Earth to show us its natural beauty in the form of colorful, vibrant shrubs and trees. Yet we’ve found that this is also a time of year when many homeowners in the greater Boston area are most frustrated with their yard. [They expect a lush garden](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/texture-and-color-gardens) and get disappointed when plants don’t grow the way they want. Luckily, most of the mistakes we see being made in yards around Massachusetts are relatively easy to fix. Here are the top three reasons we see plants failing to grow, and some quick tips to correct them: ![gardening mistakes](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Album/Stock_photos/soil-766281_640.jpg?width=770&name=soil-766281_640.jpg) ## 1. Not understanding your soil We have seen many overeager gardeners simply choose the plants they think look nice, dig up their soil, and put the roots down in their yard. While it’s great to be enthusiastic about planting things in your garden, [for best results you’ll need to do a bit more preparation](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-design-services). Even in the same town or development, the soil on one plot of land can be very different from another. Solution: Test your soil before planting to understand its composition. A test can tell you about your soil’s acidity, pH levels, the presence of nutrients, and much more. Once you have this information, you’ll have a much better understanding of which plants suit your yard. We suggest getting a soil test from the UMass Amherst Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab. ### Handpicked Related Content: - [ A Beginner's Guide to a Massachusetts Vegetable Garden ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-a-massachusetts-vegetable-garden) - [ The Top 3 Summer Flowers to Beautify Your Landscape ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/the-top-3-summer-flowers-to-beautify-your-landscape) - [ Common Pruning Mistakes & How to Fix Them ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/common-pruning-mistakes-how-to-fix-them) ## 2. Not planting in the right location Some hardy plants can grow almost anywhere, in any kind of conditions. But others need to get a certain amount of sunlight, air, and water in order to grow healthy. Slope is another important factor in the location of your plants – growing on a flat surface is completely different than growing at an angle. For example, a group of plants located at the bottom of an incline may receive a lot more water than plants on the upper portion. Solution: Evaluate your yard’s land before you plant on it. Think about the drainage, exposure to sunlight, angle of the land, effects of wind and precipitation, and more. ## ![watering-garden](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Album/Stock_photos/watering-garden.jpg?width=600&name=watering-garden.jpg) 3. Not using the right amount of water We often see people stunt growth in their garden by watering their plants too much, or not enough. If you water your plants too much, their roots won’t fully develop into the soil, leading to a shallow root system that is more susceptible to disease and dehydration. On the other hand, underwatering your plants will cause them to shrink and dry out. Solution: Most outdoor plants should only require about an inch to an inch and a half of water per week. You may have to adjust this amount depending on the weather — if it’s particularly hot one week, a little more water may be needed. If it rains a lot, you can reduce or even completely eliminate your watering routine. Learn how to make your yard a reflection of your own personality by downloading the ebook titled "[How to Maintain Your Landscape and Transform it into a Beauty You'll Love."](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/how-to-maintain-your-landscape-and-transform-it-into-a-beauty-youll-love) [![how to maintain your landscape](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/25834/6ff7b393-b02a-4594-90f8-d4ca809cc72c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/25834/6ff7b393-b02a-4594-90f8-d4ca809cc72c) Remember that these are all general guidelines: to really ensure your yard is healthy, you will need to adjust your lawn care routine to the specific plant species you want to grow. And if you are looking for some help making sure the plants in your garden are vibrant and healthy this summer, get in touch with our expert team at Moodscapes for a free yard assessment. ## Related Articles: Landscape Maintenance [![Why Wrapping Trees for Winter Matters More Than You Think](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/EXTRAimages/img_2265-resized-600.jpg) **Why Wrapping Trees for Winter Matters More Than You Think** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/wrapping-trees-for-winter) [![How to Prune Young Trees and Shrubs the Right Way to Prevent Damage and Boost Growth](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/henryfrontside-1.jpg) **How to Prune Young Trees and Shrubs the Right Way to Prevent Damage and Boost Growth** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/how-to-prune-young-trees-and-shrubs-the-right-way-to-prevent-damage-and-boost-growth) [![Erosion and Drainage Solutions to Protect Your Yard from Water Damage](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/flooded-tree-mulch.jpg) **Erosion and Drainage Solutions to Protect Your Yard from Water Damage** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/erosion-and-drainage-solutions-to-protect-your-yard-from-water-damage) [![Aesthetic Pruning vs. Functional Pruning: What’s the Difference?](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/song/P8051708-1.jpg) **Aesthetic Pruning vs. Functional Pruning: What’s the Difference?** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/aesthetic-pruning-vs.-functional-pruning-whats-the-difference) [![All About Essential Pruning Tools and Their Uses in Your Home’s Landscape](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/pruning-tools-hand-shears-2.jpg) **All About Essential Pruning Tools and Their Uses in Your Home’s Landscape** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/all-about-essential-pruning-tools-and-their-uses-in-your-homes-landscape) [![Identifying and Pruning Dead and Diseased Branches in Your Landscape](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/identifying-dead-diseased-branches-juniper-bush.jpg) **Identifying and Pruning Dead and Diseased Branches in Your Landscape** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/identifying-and-removing-dead-and-diseased-branches-in-your-landscape) [![How to Prune Your Favorite Massachusetts Native Trees and Shrubs](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/evergreens-american-holly.jpg) **How to Prune Your Favorite Massachusetts Native Trees and Shrubs** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/how-to-prune-your-favorite-massachusetts-native-trees-and-shrubs) [![Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas That Nourish the Spirit](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/growing-ornamental-grasses-mulch-bed.png) **Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas That Nourish the Spirit** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-that-nourish-the-spirit) [![How to Make Soil Healthy for a Lush and Vibrant Landscape](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/best-full-sun-perennials-sedum-flower-bed.jpg) **How to Make Soil Healthy for a Lush and Vibrant Landscape** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/how-to-make-soil-healthy-for-a-lush-and-vibrant-landscape) [![What Is Sustainable Landscaping? A Guide for Homeowners](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/shade-garden-2.jpg) **What Is Sustainable Landscaping? A Guide for Homeowners** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/what-is-sustainable-landscaping-a-guide-for-homeowners) [![How to Prepare Your Soil for Planting in Your Garden Borders](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/multiple-colored-front-yard.jpg) **How to Prepare Your Soil for Planting in Your Garden Borders** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/how-to-prepare-your-soil-for-planting-in-your-garden-borders) [![Think Sustainable Landscaping Is Too Expensive? Here's How It Saves You Money Over Time](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/healing-gardens.jpg) **Think Sustainable Landscaping Is Too Expensive? Here's How It Saves You Money Over Time** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/think-sustainable-landscaping-is-too-expensive-heres-how-it-saves-you-money-over-time) [![Environmentally-Friendly Landscaping Maintenance Through the Seasons: A Complete Guide](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/landscape-maintenance/landscape-maintenance-2.png) **Environmentally-Friendly Landscaping Maintenance Through the Seasons: A Complete Guide** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/environmentally-friendly-landscaping-maintenance-through-the-seasons-a-complete-guide) [![Winter Pruning: Preparing Your Massachusetts Garden for Spring Growth](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/best-time-to-prune-blueberry-bush.jpg) **Winter Pruning: Preparing Your Massachusetts Garden for Spring Growth** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/winter-pruning-preparing-your-massachusetts-garden-for-spring-growth) [![The Best Time to Prune Your Favorite Flowers and Trees in Massachusetts](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/best-time-to-prune-rose-bush-pink.jpg) **The Best Time to Prune Your Favorite Flowers and Trees in Massachusetts** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/the-best-time-to-prune-your-favorite-flowers-and-trees-in-massachusetts) [![Wrapping Trees for Winter: Why It's So Important](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/EXTRAimages/img_2265-resized-600.jpg) **Wrapping Trees for Winter: Why It's So Important** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/wrapping-trees-for-winter-why-its-so-important) [![Preparing Your Landscape for Winter: 6 Crucial Tasks Many Homeowners Overlook](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/preparing-landscape-for-winter-home-exterior.jpg) **Preparing Your Landscape for Winter: 6 Crucial Tasks Many Homeowners Overlook** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/preparing-your-landscape-for-winter-6-crucial-tasks-many-homeowners-overlook) [![7 Must-Do Landscape Tasks to Add to Your Fall Yard Cleanup Checklist](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/crucial-steps-to-lawn-renovation-in-fall-leaves.png) **7 Must-Do Landscape Tasks to Add to Your Fall Yard Cleanup Checklist** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/7-must-do-landscape-tasks-to-add-to-your-fall-yard-cleanup-checklist) [![Why Fall Is the Best Time to Install an Irrigation System for Your Landscape](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/irrigation-system-automatic-sprinklers.jpg) **Why Fall Is the Best Time to Install an Irrigation System for Your Landscape** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/why-fall-is-the-best-time-to-install-an-irrigation-system-for-your-landscape) [![Seeding a Lawn in Fall: The Keys to a Beautiful, Lush Landscape](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/moodscapes-theme-2017/images/Portfolios/Backyard%20Entertainment%20Areas/Backyard-lawn-fence.png) **Seeding a Lawn in Fall: The Keys to a Beautiful, Lush Landscape** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/seeding-a-lawn-in-fall-the-keys-to-a-beautiful-lush-landscape) [![The Top Tips for Planning a Water-Wise Landscape](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/lawn-sprinkler.jpg) **The Top Tips for Planning a Water-Wise Landscape** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/the-top-tips-for-planning-a-water-wise-landscape) [![13 Must-Know Summertime Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/moodscapes-theme-2017/images/Portfolios/backyard-oasis/backyard-oasis-flowers-fence.png) **13 Must-Know Summertime Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/13-must-know-summertime-lawn-care-tips-for-homeowners) [![10 Common Lawn Weeds in Massachusetts to Tackle in Your Landscape](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/weeds-brown-lawn.jpg) **10 Common Lawn Weeds in Massachusetts to Tackle in Your Landscape** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/10-common-lawn-weeds-in-massachusetts-to-tackle-in-your-landscape) [![Creative Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas to Simplify Your Life](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/hardscape-stone-path.jpg) **Creative Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas to Simplify Your Life** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/creative-low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-to-simplify-your-life) [![The Crucial Steps to a Lawn Renovation in the Fall](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/crucial-steps-to-lawn-renovation-in-fall.png) **The Crucial Steps to a Lawn Renovation in the Fall** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/the-crucial-steps-to-a-lawn-renovation-in-the-fall) [![Rainwater Collection for Landscape Maintenance](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/rain-barrel.jpg) **Rainwater Collection for Landscape Maintenance** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/rainwater-collection-for-landscape-maintenance) [![The Difference between Traditional and Ecological Fall Cleanup Part 3](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/1RS_1865.jpeg) **The Difference between Traditional and Ecological Fall Cleanup Part 3** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/difference-between-traditional-and-ecological-fall-clean-up) [![Expert Advice for Creating an Easy & Enjoyable Landscape](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/moodscapes-theme-2017/images/Portfolios/Texture%20and%20Color%20Gardens/welcoming-front-yard-4.png) **Expert Advice for Creating an Easy & Enjoyable Landscape** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/expert-advice-for-creating-an-easy-enjoyable-landscape) [![3 Rules for Beautiful Landscape Blooms All Year Long](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/undefined-708097-edited.jpg) **3 Rules for Beautiful Landscape Blooms All Year Long** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/3-rules-for-beautiful-landscape-blooms-all-year-long) [![6 Fun, Creative Ways to Make Your Landscape Beautiful](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/moodscapes-theme-2017/images/Portfolios/backyard-oasis/oasis-flowers-corner-wall.png) **6 Fun, Creative Ways to Make Your Landscape Beautiful** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/6-fun-creative-ways-to-make-your-landscape-beautiful) [![5 Super Easy Ways to Fix a Bad Home Builder Landscape Job](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-13547806.jpg) **5 Super Easy Ways to Fix a Bad Home Builder Landscape Job** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/5-super-easy-ways-to-fix-a-bad-home-builder-landscape-job) [![Common Pruning Mistakes & How to Fix Them](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/undefined-359344-edited.jpg) **Common Pruning Mistakes & How to Fix Them** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/common-pruning-mistakes-how-to-fix-them) [![The 4 Best Organic Weed Control Tips Gardeners Love](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-13546857.jpg) **The 4 Best Organic Weed Control Tips Gardeners Love** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/the-4-best-organic-weed-control-tips-gardeners-love) [![The Top 3 Summer Flowers to Beautify Your Landscape](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/butterfly-752456_640.jpg) **The Top 3 Summer Flowers to Beautify Your Landscape** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/the-top-3-summer-flowers-to-beautify-your-landscape) [![6 Best Practices of Organic Landscaping](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/moodscapes-theme-2017/images/Portfolios/Woodland%20Gardens/woodland-garden-with-fence.jpg) **6 Best Practices of Organic Landscaping** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/6-best-practices-of-organic-landscaping) ####  Services - [Landscape Design & Build](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-design-services) - [Ecological Landscape Maintenance](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/ecological-landscape-maintenance-gardening) ####  Contact Us 216 Hillside Ave, Arlington, MA 02476 [781.488.3200](tel:781.488.3200) [info@moodscapesdesign.com](mailto:info@moodscapesdesign.com) ####  Towns We Serve - [Arlington](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/arlington-ma) - [Belmont](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/belmont-ma) - [Lexington](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/lexington-ma) - [Newton](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/newton-ma) - [Watertown](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/watertown-ma) - [Winchester](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/winchester-ma) - [Pricing](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/pricing) #### Schedule Consultation © 2026 Moodscapes LLC. All Rights Reserved         [Privacy Policy](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/moodscape-llc-privacy-policy) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/Moodscapes/) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/moodscapes/) - [**](https://twitter.com/MoodscapesLLC) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/moodscapes-llc/) - [**](https://www.pinterest.com/moodscapes/) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Judith Lipson- Rubin", "url" : "https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/author/judith-lipson-rubin" }, "dateModified" : "2019-06-04 11:00:00+08:00", "datePublished" : "2019-06-04 11:00:00+08:00", "description" : "We often see homeowners make these three mistakes when trying to grow an attractive, healthy garden.", "headline" : "Why Won't My Garden Grow? 3 Mistakes According to Mary", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 800, "url" : "https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/Gallery/Album/Stock_photos/soil-766281_640.jpg", "width" : 800 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/why-wont-my-garden-grow-3-mistakes-according-to-mary", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/25834/moodscapes-theme-2017/images/logo.png" }, "name" : "Moodscapes LLC" } } ```