Avoid Gardening Failures This Spring—Here’s How

Spring vegetable gardening is the most anticipated time of year for millions of gardeners.

But here's the truth: you're probably making mistakes that could sabotage your entire garden before you even plant a seed.

More than 71 million U.S. households engage in some form of gardening, and interest has only grown in recent years as more Americans look to grow their own food, save money at the grocery store, and reconnect with the outdoors. Yet only a fraction of those gardeners will see the results they hope for. Why? Because they're all making the same basic mistakes — planting too early, skipping soil prep, ignoring their climate zone — and setting themselves up for frustration before a single seed goes in the ground.

This year, you don't have to make those mistakes. Here's exactly how to avoid the most common pitfalls and get the garden you've been dreaming of.

1. Timing Is Everything