10+ Things I Quit to Make Gardening Easier

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Gardening Made Easier: Take the drudgery out of gardening and implement the tips and tricks noted here. It worked for me!

Gardening is one of the most rewarding pastimes, but it can also feel overwhelming if you try to do all the things. Over the years, I’ve learned that simplifying my approach makes gardening easier and more enjoyable. Here are the 10+ things I quit to streamline my gardening life—and how you can do the same!

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1. I Quit Traditional Tilling

Do you remember those little mini tillers? I used to have one and thought it was the key to success to getting my garden beds ready. But I was wrong.

Tilling disrupts the soil structure and encourages weeds. Now, I use a no-till approach, layering compost, leaves, and mulch directly on top of the soil. This method keeps the soil healthier and saves me hours of work.

Why else does it save work? When you till you bring weed seeds to the surface where they will germinate and grow. If you smother them with mulch instead then they stay buried.

I discovered this when the tiller needed to go into the shop (again, seems like it was in the shop more than used in the garden) so I collected all the leaves from around the neighborhood and piled them in the Entrance Garden in the Fall. By Spring when I pulled back what was left to plant the soil was weed-free, crumbly, and rich, filled with worms and a dream to plant in!

I was sold. From then on I focused on regenerating my soil instead of pulverizing it!

2. I Quit Growing Fussy Plants

Some plants demand too much attention. Either they don’t like my garden conditions, require more water, or constant maintenance to look good. (easily get mildews, fungus or other tasks done)

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

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

Some Examples of Tough Plants

• Nepeta
• Penstemon
• Erigeron

Note: what thrives for me may not for you, get to know your local conditions NOT just your USDA Zone!

Before bringing any plant home be sure and check that it is not registered as invasive in your area. Many plants that are, are still sold at garden centers, nurseries and gifted by friends. Better safe than sorry.

3. I Quit Daily Watering

Watering every day was exhausting and often unnecessary. Instead, I’ve switched to deep, less frequent watering, which encourages strong root growth. I also installed a simple drip irrigation system to keep plants hydrated efficiently.

4. I Quit Planting Everything from Seed

While starting from seed can be fun, it’s also time-consuming. Now, I mix it up—sowing seeds for some plants while buying seedlings for others. This ensures I get a head start on the season without feeling overwhelmed.

I love to plant many plants from seed, not only is it budget-friendly but I love nurturing a plant from start to finish. For many of the flowers I love to grow from seed see this video, you will find a free printable list.

5. I Quit Using Harsh Chemicals

Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers seemed like a quick fix, but they weren’t worth the hassle—or the environmental impact. I’ve embraced organic gardening, using compost, natural pest deterrents, and companion planting to keep my garden thriving.

When you have a healthy eco-system you have fewer issues with pests. We don’t want to eliminate them, we want to keep the population in check so they don’t damage our plants. Also, learn to accept some damage, we don’t have to have unblemished leaves etc to have a lovely garden.

6. I Quit Mulching with Wood Chips Alone

Wood mulch is great, but I’ve discovered that living mulches with ground covers like creeping thyme and clover is even more beneficial and less taxing on the budget. They look beautiful, suppress weeds, and even improve the soil while cutting down on how often I need to reapply mulch.

7. I Quit Neglecting Soil Health

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. I focus on enriching it with compost, aged manure, and organic fertilizers. The result? Plants that need less intervention and care because they’re thriving naturally.

See More: Stop Fertilizing! Feed Your Soil Instead.

8. I Quit Fighting Wildlife Alone

Battling deer, rabbits, and other critters was a losing game. I’ve invested in wildlife fencing and strategic plant placement, choosing pest-resistant varieties for vulnerable areas.

For rabbits I learned that a bit of fencing just 24 inches high for cotton tails and 36 inches for jack rabbits is enough to keep them out. Deer I use a spray that is peppermint oil-based and plant more resistant plants in front of the plants that deer seem to make a beeline for.

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

Now, I can enjoy my garden without constant frustration.

9. I Quit Overcrowding My Garden Beds

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

This for me is still an ongoing process, I do still tend to get things a bit crowded but I am editing as judiciously as I can. I like plants to grow close together as that also helps shade out the weeds. But there is a point where the plants can struggle if not give proper spacing.

10. I Quit Aiming for Perfection

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

Bonus Tips: 5 More Things I Quit

11. I Quit Starting New Beds Without a Plan

Jumping into new projects without a plan often led to wasted time and effort. Now, I sketch out my ideas and choose plants carefully, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

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

12. I Quit Ignoring Plant Tags

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

13. I Quit Letting Weeds Get Out of Control

I used to put off weeding until it became an overwhelming chore. Now, I weed a little at a time or use mulch to keep weeds at bay, saving myself a lot of effort.

Or if they are in paths and other areas that are bare of desirable plants I will use my weed eater to hastily chop them down to ground level.

See exactly how effective that can be here!

14. I Quit Obsessing Over Pruning Schedules

Pruning used to feel like a science project, but I’ve simplified it. I prune when it’s convenient and focus on the basics, keeping my plants healthy without overcomplicating the task.

I do try to keep up with deadheading as that helps to keep most plants in bloom.

15. I Quit Planting in Every Available Space

Leaving open spaces for pathways and airflow has made my garden easier to navigate and maintain. Plus, the plants are happier without overcrowding.

Final Thoughts

Gardening doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By quitting these time-consuming or ineffective practices, I’ve made my gardening life easier—and I enjoy it more than ever! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, simplifying your approach can make a world of difference.

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

Happy Gardening Friends!

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