I'm new to growing food and planted different varieties in my raised bed garden. For instance, I have two types of shelling peas: Green Arrow and Alaska. The Green Arrow peas are delicious, while the Alaska variety is really disappointing. I also tried two different kinds of snap peas, but one of them is just too fibrous to eat. I'm tempted to pull out the underperforming plants, but I feel bad after all the effort I put into growing them. Plus, I'm overwhelmed with too many edible flowers, especially borage, which is taking over. Should I just leave the plants and learn from the experience for next year, or should I go ahead and remove the ones that aren't working?
8 Answers
Ha! I’ve started a little garden graveyard for plants that didn't make the cut. Surprisingly, they thrived there without the pressure! No guilt at all for taking them out—just let them be free!
Yes, definitely! Remove what's not working and plant something you'll love. Every effort is not wasted if you learn from it. ?
I relate! I sometimes struggle to thin because everything needs water. This year, I'm focusing on pruning. Good luck with your decision!
I usually overplant too. If I have extras, I let critters enjoy them. Plus, peas are nitrogen fixers, so leaving them could actually help your soil.
You've got to do what's best for your garden! I've ripped out plants before, whether it's to replace them or just leave a gap. Every method has its merit, so go with what feels right for you.
When it comes to plants that don't spark joy, I think of Marie Kondo! If it doesn’t inspire you, it’s okay to compost it. Thinning can improve both the look and productivity of your garden. If a plant frustrates me enough, I just remove it; I've done it with a weak tomato plant this summer!
Leave it for now! You might find someone who appreciates what you don’t like, or you can try cooking with them. Just watering occasionally is easy; the hard part is already done!
Absolutely! I tried growing shiso, but it overpowered my other herbs and I ended up ripping it out. Life's too short for plants you don't enjoy. Just compost and start fresh with something better suited for your taste!
I didn’t know about the nitrogen! Thanks for the tip—I think I’ll let them be for now.