Gardening is so rewarding. You can literally see the growth before your eyes! Whether you are growing a garden to preserve your harvest or just for fun and relaxation, these garden planning ideas will teach you how to do it effectively!
A little planning can make a big difference when it comes to growing a successful garden. Taking time to think about your space, the plants you want to grow, and how they will work together can help you avoid common gardening mistakes and set yourself up for a productive season.
Whether you’re planting a few containers on a patio or designing a larger backyard garden, having a simple plan helps you make the most of your space and resources. From choosing the right crops to thinking about strategies like companion planting, a thoughtful approach can lead to healthier plants and better harvests.
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Before You Start Planning...
Sure you can use a pen and paper (and I definitely have before!) but it is so nice to have a planner that was designed specifically for the garden season. In this guide we have a lot of round, square and rectangular templates so you can plan your garden effectively. I also included a bunch of different templates using companion planning principles and example salad garden, salsa garden and herb garden examples. Click the link below to check it out!
#1. Start With Your Space
Before choosing plants or designing your garden layout, take time to understand the space you’re working with. Every garden is different and factors like sunlight, soil quality as well as available room will influence what grows best.
Start by observing how much sunlight your garden receives throughout the day. Many vegetables such as Tomato, Pepper, and Cucumber thrive in full sun, which typically means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If parts of your yard receive less sunlight, you can still grow shade-tolerant crops like lettuce, spinach, and kale.
Next, consider how much physical space you have. Small areas such as patios or balconies may be better suited for container gardening using grow bags like these, while larger yards can support raised beds (like the ones in the pictures) or traditional garden rows. Even a small garden can produce a surprising amount of food when planted efficiently.
Finally, consider convenience factors such as access to water and access to the garden. If you have to haul water up a hill to water or enjoy your garden, it is less likely that you will be in your garden regularly.
#2. Choose Crops Based on What Your Family Actually Eats
One year I bought some rainbow swiss chard and I was pretty pumped for it. It grew and it was fabulous! The only down side? No one in my family actually enjoys swiss chard lol. Luckily it didn’t go to waste and my chickens had a great snack.
The moral of the story is to choose varieties of foods you actually enjoy eating, or displaying in your house. Now I know that cucumbers and carrots from the garden are always a hit so that is what I choose to spend my energy growing.
Take an inventory of your life. Do you love eating salsa? Then grow a salsa garden! You can learn how to can it up or just enjoy it fresh. If you love salad, grow a salad garden! If you want to try pickles? You can grow dill and cucumbers. The possibilities are endless when you start thinking about your garden.
#3. Consider Companion Planting
Companion planting is the act of planting compatible plants next to eachother to reap the benefits of both. This practice has been used for decades in methods such as “the three sisters” which are corn, beans and squash.
There are a few main reasons you might consider companion planting such as:
Natural pest management: Certain plants can repel insects that commonly attack nearby crops. For example, Marigold is often planted near vegetables because its scent can help deter some pests.
Better pollination: Flowers such as Nasturtium or Borage attract bees and other pollinators that help nearby fruiting plants produce more.
Improved soil health: Some plants enrich the soil. Legumes like Peas and Beans can add nitrogen back into the soil.
#4. Avoid Over or Under Planting
I have made both of these mistakes so there is no judgement here! The first year I started my garden, I planted way too few plants and I had a lot of bare ground in my beds. This led to so many weeds and wasted time pulling them.
The next year I followed intensive planting but ended up choking out some of my staple crops. It can be so tempting to to add extra seeds or starts when the plants are itty bitty, forgetting that tiny plants turn into large plants over time. The best thing I have found to do, is follow square foot garden principles.
Basically, you divide your garden into 1 square foot sections and plant one crop in various amounts within that square. I have the full square foot break down in my garden planning guide.
#5. Keep it Simple
You don’t need to start out with a huge garden. Even a couple plants like a tomato, pepper and cucumber can make a huge difference to your fresh eating grocery bill, give you enough to make fridge pickles and even your confidence! Grow varieties you are excited to eat!
As you gain experience, you can always expand your garden and try new varieties. Starting small allows you to learn what works best in your space while keeping the process manageable and enjoyable.
A simple garden plan is easier to maintain, more productive, and far less overwhelming, making it much more likely that you’ll stick with gardening and enjoy the process.