Most gardeners have been there.
You spot a few bugs on a favourite plant and immediately reach for the insect spray. The lawn looks a little dry, so the hose comes out. A shrub is looking untidy, so it gets a heavy trim.
While these habits may seem like the right thing to do, experts say some common gardening routines can quietly disrupt the natural balance of your garden and even impact the wider environment.
As World Environment Day shines a spotlight on sustainability and environmental responsibility, GARDENA South Africa is encouraging gardeners to take a closer look at how they care for their outdoor spaces.
According to Fathima Mathen, Marketing Manager for GARDENA South Africa, a garden should be viewed as a living ecosystem rather than simply a collection of plants.
“We all garden with good intentions,” says Mathen. “We water, spray and prune because we want our gardens to thrive, but sometimes the very habits we think are helping can disrupt that natural balance.”
Here are five common gardening mistakes that may be doing more harm than good.
1. Reaching for Chemicals Too Quickly
Not every insect is a pest.
Many bugs play an important role in maintaining a healthy garden by helping control harmful insects naturally. Using chemical sprays at the first sign of damage can kill beneficial insects and upset the garden’s ecosystem.
Try this instead: Remove damaged leaves by hand, spray pests off with water and consider natural alternatives before reaching for chemical solutions.
2. Watering During the Heat of the Day
Watering in the middle of the day may seem logical when plants appear thirsty, but much of that water can evaporate before it reaches the roots.
Try this instead: Water early in the morning or later in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. This helps conserve water and ensures plants receive the moisture they need.
3. Overwatering Plants
More water doesn’t always equal healthier plants.
Constantly wet soil can weaken root systems, encourage disease and slow growth. This is especially important during winter when soil tends to stay moist for longer.
Try this instead: Check the soil before watering. If it still feels damp a few centimetres below the surface, wait another day or two before watering again.
4. Pruning Too Aggressively
Pruning can promote healthy growth, but cutting back too much can place unnecessary stress on plants.
Over-pruning also removes natural shade and protection, leaving soil exposed to heat, wind and moisture loss.
Try this instead: Focus on removing dead, damaged or overcrowded growth and avoid excessive cutting unless it is genuinely needed.
5. Treating Every Weed as the Enemy
While invasive weeds need attention, not every unwanted plant requires an immediate chemical response.
Overusing herbicides can affect soil health, nearby plants and the beneficial organisms that support a thriving garden.
Try this instead: Remove weeds by hand when the soil is damp and use mulch to suppress new growth while improving soil quality.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Mathen believes that the choices gardeners make at home can have a much broader environmental impact.
“How we use water, care for soil and respond to insects all affects the wider environment,” she says.
By making a few thoughtful changes, gardeners can help create outdoor spaces that are healthier, more sustainable and better for local ecosystems.
A balanced garden doesn’t just look good. It also supports biodiversity, conserves resources and contributes to a healthier environment for everyone.
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