Spring is synonymous with flowers, colors, and vitality. It is the moment when nature awakens, gardens transform, and plants enter their most active growth period. However, this same phase demands extra attention: longer days and rising temperatures change the needs for water, light, and nutrients. Small management mistakes can compromise the development of species and even cause irreversible damage. According to landscape architect Júlio Sousa, the first step is to understand that each plant reacts differently to changes in climate and humidity. "The most frequent mistake is to generalize care. Not every species needs the same amount of water, light, or fertilizer. Observing and knowing the behavior of each one is the secret to a healthy garden," he explains. Next, we gathered the main recommendations from experts so that you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of spring in your garden. Excess Water: The Most Common Mistake During spring, temperatures rise, but the soil can still retain good moisture due to frequent rains. Landscape architect Júlio Sousa warns that the most common mistake is overwatering. "Many people believe that the more you water, the better — and the result is suffocated roots and unwanted fungi." The recommendation is simple: before watering, test the soil with your finger. If it is still moist, wait a little longer. Additionally, agronomist Rafael Menezes, an urban gardening consultant, adds that it is important to observe the type of pot. "Containers without adequate drainage collect water and cause root rot. Invest in pots with holes and use gravel or expanded clay at the bottom." Fertilizing Out of Time and Excessively Spring is the ideal time to reinforce soil nutrients, as plants enter an active growth phase. However, excessive fertilizer is a serious mistake. "Fertilizer is not an immediate solution — it works gradually. Applying too much can burn roots and alter the soil pH," explains landscape architect Júlio Sousa. Botanist Carolina Furtado recommends using organic fertilizers and repeating fertilization every 30 or 40 days, in small doses. "Composting, worm humus, and bone meal are safe and balanced options," she says. Another important tip is to water the soil after applying fertilizers to ensure better nutrient absorption. Poorly Planned and Out-of-Season Pruning Many believe that spring is the right time to prune all plants, but this is not a rule. Improper pruning can interrupt the flowering cycle or compromise growth. "Pruning should be light and targeted, removing only dry leaves, damaged branches, or parts that block light and air," advises Júlio Sousa. Agronomist Luciana Prado, a specialist in plant physiology, emphasizes that some species — such as orchids and azaleas — need to finish their flowering cycle before any cuts are made. "Interrupting this process can reduce the next flowering and affect the plant's vitality," she explains. Therefore, it is ideal to understand the behavior of each species before intervening. Ignoring Changes in Light and Temperature As spring progresses, the sun changes position, and the light intensity increases, which directly affects plant health. "Sometimes, just moving a pot already makes a difference," comments Júlio Sousa. Plants that were fine in a shaded corner in winter may need more light now — and the opposite is true for species sensitive to intense heat. Furthermore, it is worth noting that drier and hotter winds can speed up water evaporation, requiring more frequent watering in outdoor locations. Lack of Observation and Care Routine More than correcting specific mistakes, the essential thing is to cultivate the habit of observation. "Plants always show us what they need — you just have to look closely," affirms Júlio Sousa. Small details, like wilted leaves, altered coloration, or signs of pests, serve as alerts. Gardener and green influencer Marina Lobo, from the profile Verde em Casa, adds that a light and constant routine is more effective than occasional major interventions. "It is not effective to care intensely for one day and forget for the following week. Taking care of plants is an exercise in consistency and sensitivity." Additionally, keeping the projects clean, free from dead leaves, and with good air circulation reduces the risk of fungi and insects.
