How to Effectively Plan Your Vegetable Garden
It’s the time of year when gardeners start planning this year’s vegetable garden! Dreaming of an expansion? Adding in exciting new varieties? Trying something for the first time this year? Now is the time to start planning your layout so when spring arrives, you are ready to put your plan into action!
Step 1. Evaluate Your Space
The first step is to consider the space you have available to plant your vegetable garden. Considerations include lighting throughout the day, land available, and your access to water (you will thank yourself later when it is in the middle of hot July)! And don’t forget to set a date or reminder to collect a soil sample to send in for a soil test.
Step 2. Choosing Your Varieties
Now that your location has been selected, it is time to select your plant varieties! As fun as it is to pick the most unique, bizarre plant options, be sure to evaluate what you and your family will actually eat and use! Having a plan for each of your hand-selected varieties will not only eliminate waste at the end of the season, but it will also help you stay devoted and passionate about your vegetable garden!
Another thing to consider is harvest time. Make it easier on yourself by selecting plant varieties that will be ready to pick at different times so that you are not harvesting, handling, and preserving your entire garden in the same week. You can find this information on the back of most seed packets or by asking our staff!
Step 3. Garden Layout
Now it is time to lay out your garden plan on paper! Draw the dimensions of your desired space and begin to lay out where you would like to position each plant variety. You want to ensure that you group shorter crops together and taller crops by each other as well. This prevents tall crops blocking the light to shorter crops. If you are planting fruits and veggies with trailing foliage, plan your layout to prevent their vines from choking neighboring plants. You will want to keep like-growth pattern plants together to ensure happy plants and effective co-mingling!
Keep in mind that varieties being planted in smaller quantities should be kept together in their own space, leaving rows for larger production. This helps ease care through the season for smaller crops, keeping them from being overpowered by other plants or forgotten in the deep sea of green leaves in the middle of your garden space! Companion planting is also an important concept to consider in your layout - not all plants like to be planted next to one another, yet some thrive planted in close proximity!
Succession planting: Some veggies, such as leaf lettuce, are able to be harvested + planted multiple times in the season. You will want to plant these varieties in an easily accessible area so that you won’t disturb the surrounding plants. We recommend keeping them at the edge of your garden if you plan to replant multiple times in the year.
Additional tips + tricks! Try planting Marigolds around the border of your garden to help with pest control! Or try flowers to create a beautiful, eye-catching garden border that will attract all the pollinators to your garden!
Alternative Garden Options
If you don’t have the space (or time!) to do an in-ground vegetable garden, you can always do an alternative style such as a patio garden or raised beds! We offer a variety of compact vegetable options that will not grow as large as their traditional counterparts. We carry compact varieties of beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a few different peppers! Most herbs are also a naturally compact option for smaller areas. Don’t let space restrictions deter you from starting your own vegetable garden!
Make your gardening dreams come true with this practical step-by-step guide! If you are looking for some extra assistance in your garden planning, we would love to help! Stop in to see all of our gardening tools and plants, and to talk with one of our expert staff. We can guide you in planning this year’s vegetable garden - or consider joining us for our next Herb and Veggie 101 class to learn more about vegetable gardening!