10+ Things I Give Up To Make Gardening Simpler

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Gardening Made Easy: Take the boredom out of gardening and use the tips and tricks noted here. It worked for me!

Gardening is one of the most rewarding hobbies, but it can also feel overwhelming when you try to do it. all things. Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping things simple makes gardening easier and more enjoyable. Here are 10+ things I gave up to take control of my garden life—and how you can do the same!

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1. I quit Traditional Planting

Remember those little tractors? I used to have it and think it is the key to success in preparing my garden beds. But I was wrong.

Tillage disrupts soil structure and encourages weeds. Now, using a no-till method, I apply compost, leaves, and mulch directly onto the soil. This method keeps the soil healthy and saves hours of work.

Why else does it save work? When you plow you bring the weed seeds up where they will germinate and grow. If you mulch them instead they stay buried.

I found this when the machine needed to go into the shop for maintenance (again, it seems it was in the shop more than used in the garden) so I collected all the nearby leaves and piled them in place. Entrance garden in the fall. In the Spring when I turned back what was left for planting the soil was weed free, crumbly, and rich, full of earthworms and a dream to plant in!

I was sold. From then on I focused on revitalizing my soil instead of grinding it!

2. I have stopped growing such plants

Some plants need more attention. They may not like the conditions of my garden, they need more water, or regular maintenance to keep them looking good. (easily detect mold, mildew or other work done)

I’ve swapped them out for hardy perennials and low-maintenance flowers like zinnias, cosmos, and native or “nativar” plants that thrive without fuss.

A nativar is a cultivated variety of a native plant, or a genetic variant of a native plant.

Some Examples of Hardy Plants

• And peta
• Penstemon
• Erigeron

Note: what makes me happy may not be yours, know your local conditions NOT just your USDA Zone!

Before you bring any plant home make sure and check that it is not registered as dangerous in your area. Many of the existing plants are still sold at garden centers, nurseries and are gifted by friends. Better to be safe than sorry.

3. Stop Watering Daily

Daily watering was laborious and often unnecessary. Instead, I switched to deep, infrequent watering, which encourages strong root growth. I also installed a drip irrigation system to keep the plants properly hydrated.

4. Stop Planting Everything With Seeds

Although starting from seed can be fun, it also takes time. Now, I mix it up—I sow seeds for other plants while buying other seedlings. This ensures that I start the season head on without feeling stressed.

I like to grow many plants from seed, it is not only in keeping with the budget but I like to take care of the plant from the beginning to the end. For more flowers that I like to grow from seed watch this video, you will find a free printable list.

5. I stopped using harsh chemicals

Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers seemed like a quick fix, but it wasn’t worth it—or the environmental impact. I have embraced gardening, using compost, organic pesticides, and companion planting to keep my garden growing well.

If you have a healthy eco-system you have fewer problems with pests. We don’t want to get rid of them, we want to keep people careful so they don’t harm our plants. Also, learn to accept some damage, we don’t have to have flawless foliage etc to have a lovely garden.

6. I Stopped Covering With Wood Alone

Wood mulch is great, but I’ve found that organic ground cover mulches like creeping thyme and clover are more beneficial and less taxing on the budget. They look great, suppress weeds, and even improve the soil while reducing how often I need to reapply mulch.

7. Stop Neglecting the Health of the World

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. I focus on enriching it with manure, old compost, and natural fertilizers. The result? Plants that require little intervention and care because they grow naturally.

See More: Stop Fertilization! Feed Your Soil Instead.

8. I Stopped Fighting Wild Animals Alone

Fighting deer, rabbits, and other animals was a losing game. I have invested in wildlife fencing and planting strategies, choosing pest resistant species in vulnerable areas.

For rabbits I learned that a small fence just 24 inches high for cottontails and 36 inches for jack rabbits is enough to keep them out. Deer I use a peppermint oil based spray and plant very deer resistant plants that seem to make a beeline for them.

I know that when a deer is very hungry it will eat anything in its path but I have had great success with deer resistant plants so far. I also use this in my garden, how it works I don’t know as I use peppermint oil spray on the plants as well.

Now, I can enjoy my garden without the constant frustration.

9. Stop Crowding My Garden Beds

I used to plant every inch of space, but the crowding led to competition for nutrients and more work for me. Now, I leave room for plants to grow, which reduces the need for additional watering and pruning while improving plant health.

This for me is still a work in progress, I still tend to get a little overwhelmed but I plan as smartly as possible. I like the plants to grow close together as that helps with the shade and keeping the weeds out. But there is a point where plants can become difficult if they do not provide the right spaces.

10. I stopped striving for perfection

One of the most liberating changes I made was letting go of the idea that my garden had to look picture-perfect all the time. Embracing the wild—like letting volunteer plants grow—has made the garden less stressful and more rewarding.

Bonus Tips: 5 More Things I Can Give Up

11. I stopped starting new beds without a plan

Jumping into new projects without a plan often resulted in wasted time and effort. Now, I draw my ideas and choose plants carefully, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

This is where the Border and Border Planner can come in handy. Just fill out the form, don’t worry, it’s free!

12. Stop Ignoring Plant Tags

I learned the hard way that plant tags are there for a reason. Following the sunlight, spacing, and maintenance recommendations has greatly reduced plant failures in my garden.

13. Let Me Stop Weeding Out of Control

I used to put off weeding until it became a chore. Now, I pull weeds a little at a time or use mulch to keep the weeds down, saving myself a lot of effort.

Or if they are on paths and other areas that don’t have desirable plants I will use my weed whacker to quickly cut them down to ground level.

See how that can work here!

14. I Stopped Worrying About Pruning Schedules

Pruning used to sound like a science project, but I simplified it. I prune when appropriate and focus on the basics, keeping my plants healthy without making the job too difficult.

I try to keep up with deadheading as that helps keep more plants blooming.

15. I stopped planting in every available space

Leaving open spaces for paths and air flow has made my garden easier to navigate and maintain. In addition, the plants are happy without crowding.

Final thoughts

Gardening doesn’t have to be difficult. By ditching these time-consuming or ineffective habits, I’ve made my gardening life easier—and I’m enjoying it more than ever! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, simplifying your approach can make a big difference.

If you found this helpful, share it with other farmers! And don’t forget to leave a comment—what’s something you’ve given up to make gardening easier?

Happy Gardening Friends!

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