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In theory, growing your own fruits and vegetables is a smart way to live. You’re fully aware of where your food is coming from, and you can rest easy knowing that what you eat doesn’t contain pesticides and chemicals. 

However, the process itself involves many moving parts. If you’re not a seasoned grower, you’re more likely to commit missteps that can lead to unflattering results (to say the least). As you’ll see in this list, it is much more common than you think. 

This series of photos comes from a seemingly endless pile from the r/MightyHarvest subreddit. And they only get funnier as you scroll through.

Bored Panda also spoke to horticultural consultant and urban farming expert Martyna Krol, who shared some helpful insights.

#1

My First Potato (Banana For Scale)

My First Potato (Banana For Scale)

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According to Krol, growing in minerally imbalanced soil is one of the reasons for poor fruit growth, noting that certain fruits and vegetables "have a big appetite for nutrients."

"Often growing plants such as tomatoes, courgettes or cucumbers in soil that has not got enough nutrients in it will result in misshapen fruits or weaker plants, eventually leading to the disease." 

Adequate nourishment is essential, especially when growing in pots or raised beds. Krol suggested some easy and affordable ways to do it.

"The easiest one is either invest in a compost bin or buddy up with a garden or a growing project that does composting. The ready to use compost is diverse in many soil animals, which in turn make the nutrients available to the plant."

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#4

Behold My Prize Winning Pumpkin

Behold My Prize Winning Pumpkin

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#6

Glory To My Bounty

Glory To My Bounty

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David Fox
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a Cucamelon not a watermelon...... they're ment to be that size.

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#8

This Barbie's Making Salsa Tonight!

This Barbie's Making Salsa Tonight!

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Charity Angel
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe wheelchair Barbie has joints, so she can be posed properly. There are likely others, but I'm not an expert

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SilverSkyCloud
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i had a ballerina barbie when i was a kid, she was a ball-jointed doll, similar to this

Binky Melnik
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems unlikely with those arms; looks like her mom took Thalidomide.

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If your fruits and vegetables aren’t growing as they should, you’re also likely committing costly errors in your gardening efforts. Nikhil Arora, co-founder of organic gardening company Back to the Roots, spoke with The Spruce, pointing out that overplanting could be the reason why your vegetable garden isn’t as luscious. 

He then shared crucial advice: stick with one plant, especially if you’re just starting your vegetable gardening venture. 

“Try growing something—one thing!—and see how easy and fun it can be. Maybe try growing cherry tomatoes with a kit on your windowsill,” he said, stressing the importance of planting in small spaces.

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#9

My Biggest Pepper Of The Year

My Biggest Pepper Of The Year

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Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its alr, im sure u will get an amazing harvest one day, just give it some time :)

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#10

3.5 Years Of Tending To My White Currant Plant, And Finally... 4 White Currant!!!

3.5 Years Of Tending To My White Currant Plant, And Finally... 4 White Currant!!!

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#11

This Is The Cucumber Harvest We've Been Waiting For. Sage Leaf For Scale

This Is The Cucumber Harvest We've Been Waiting For. Sage Leaf For Scale

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WindySwede
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

patience, wait for them to grow. or are this just for likes on internet?

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#13

Behold My Beefsteak Tomato

Behold My Beefsteak Tomato

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#14

Please Enjoy My Bountiful Harvest- Triangle Carrot

Please Enjoy My Bountiful Harvest- Triangle Carrot

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Megan Foster of seed supplier American Meadows also spoke with The Spruce. She pointed out the importance of having pollinator plants, especially when planting fruits and vegetables. 

Foster put it simply: “No pollinators means no vegetables, fruits, grains or oils (canola, sunflower, palm).” She then made a few suggestions to start with, especially for newbie growers. 

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"Milkweed, coneflowers, and sunflowers are easy to grow and make a great addition to a vegetable garden. This makes it easier for bees, butterflies, and birds to spot them from the sky.”

#16

On The Menu Tonight: Carrot Cake For One (Mouse)

On The Menu Tonight: Carrot Cake For One (Mouse)

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#17

The Great Potato Hartvest Of 2023

The Great Potato Hartvest Of 2023

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#19

My Zucchini! Tonight, We Dine Like Kings 👑

My Zucchini! Tonight, We Dine Like Kings 👑

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#20

Vampires Aren’t Getting Within 100km Of This House!

Vampires Aren’t Getting Within 100km Of This House!

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jue dududu
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes they are , they're scallions not garlic but ur undead now so I guess uv figured that out 🦇

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#21

I Waited All Summer For This Eggplant

I Waited All Summer For This Eggplant

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Orang lord
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There’s a joke about how size doesn't matter here, but I can't quite think of it

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Most of these mishaps happen to beginner growers who don't know what they're doing. Krol advises at least familiarizing yourself with plant groups and then choosing the easy ones to grow.

"Some of the groups are the broccoli, carrot, and pumpkin families, and they all have distinctive qualities. The bean family does not like frosts, so if you're in northern climates, you may not plant these until mid-summer, but the broccoli family, for example, will thrive in cooler areas."

#22

This Apple I Thought Was A Cherry

This Apple I Thought Was A Cherry

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WindySwede
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

really? with that long "thingy" sticking out on top. (In lack of the English word!)

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#23

Last Year The Critters Got Our Carrots. This Year, We Feast Like Kings

Last Year The Critters Got Our Carrots. This Year, We Feast Like Kings

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#24

Anyone Know Where I Can Buy Bottles In Bulk To Bottle Up All The Hot Sauce I'm About To Make

Anyone Know Where I Can Buy Bottles In Bulk To Bottle Up All The Hot Sauce I'm About To Make

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#25

After Months Of Waiting, My First Fig

After Months Of Waiting, My First Fig

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It won't always be a bountiful harvest, but you can increase your chances of having excellent yields when the time comes. Here are some tips from Krol:

"Organise a good composting system and compost as much of your own waste. You'd be surprised how good the veg is, and you also save money on shop-bought stuff. 

"Grow only a few varieties every year, and master those before you spread yourself thin with dozens of species that all have different needs.

"Grow the plants you will enjoy; don't bother with fancy and rare stuff for now; master those beans."

#27

With This Many Peppers, I Was Afraid They Wouldn't All Fit In The Frame

With This Many Peppers, I Was Afraid They Wouldn't All Fit In The Frame

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#28

How Many Pies Do You Think This Would Make?

How Many Pies Do You Think This Would Make?

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You don’t have to be a gardening expert to know that sunlight affects plant growth. But it all comes down to the important question of how much. Certain plants need a specific amount to thrive, which landscape designer Carson Arthur discussed with CBC.

"A good general rule of thumb is to go with leafier plants — things like kale, spinach, lettuce — in shadier spots because they [don't need as much] sunlight to grow and produce."

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#29

My Tomato Plant Is Working Extra Hard This Year

My Tomato Plant Is Working Extra Hard This Year

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#30

I Need Some Folks To Come Help Me Eat All Of This Silver Watermelon Before It Goes Bad

I Need Some Folks To Come Help Me Eat All Of This Silver Watermelon Before It Goes Bad

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Note: this post originally had 52 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.