The Mistakes I Made While Growing Leafy Greens (and How I Fixed Them)

When “Easy Vegetables” Turned Out to Be the Hardest

I thought leafy greens would be effortless. Just sprinkle seeds and watch them grow – right? Wrong. My first attempt ended in yellowing leaves, fungus on the soil, weak stems, and bolting coriander. It took me several failed batches to finally understand what leafy greens actually need.

Overwatering: The First Big Wrong Turn

Because Bangalore can get warm during the day, I assumed I should water heavily. Instead, I created soggy soil that suffocated the roots. Fungus and damping-off became regular problems. What fixed it: Light, consistent watering that keeps the soil moist but never wet. Early mornings worked best.

Soil That Was Too Heavy

I reused old potting soil without realizing how tightly packed it had become. Leafy greens need airy soil where roots can spread quickly. What fixed it: A fresh mix of compost, cocopeat, and sand made the greens explode with growth.

Sunlight and Seasonal Surprises

During Bangalore’s summer, my coriander bolted in days. The lettuce turned bitter. What fixed it: Growing greens in partial shade during hot months and choosing heat-tolerant varieties.

The Silent Attack of Pests

Leaf miners and aphids damaged my leaves before I even noticed them. What fixed it: Regular neem oil spray, sticky traps, and simply checking the leaves daily.

Once It Clicked, It Changed Everything

Today, leafy greens are among the easiest things I grow – but only because I understand their rhythm. They taught me that simplicity in gardening doesn’t mean effortless. Sometimes the most basic crops teach the most important lessons.