diff --git a/bundles/org.openhab.binding.gardena/src/main/java/org/openhab/binding/gardena/internal/GardenaSmartImpl.java b/bundles/org.openhab.binding.gardena/src/main/java/org/openhab/binding/gardena/internal/GardenaSmartImpl.java
index cc6d38e78dc92..0624f74e06b01 100644
--- a/bundles/org.openhab.binding.gardena/src/main/java/org/openhab/binding/gardena/internal/GardenaSmartImpl.java
+++ b/bundles/org.openhab.binding.gardena/src/main/java/org/openhab/binding/gardena/internal/GardenaSmartImpl.java
@@ -133,6 +133,7 @@ public GardenaSmartImpl(String id, GardenaConfig config, GardenaSmartEventListen
             startWebsockets();
             initialized = true;
         } catch (Exception ex) {
+            dispose();
             throw new GardenaException(ex.getMessage(), ex);
         }
     }