Don’t wait for warm weather – start planning your garden now! Recent temperatures in the 50s during February make me start “thinking spring.”
It seems that each year I find myself in need of more planting space – my list of seeds has grown to 195 varieties (I think there are 14 types of tomatoes, 13 zinnias, 10 cosmos, 13 sunflowers…). On top of that list, I have over 70 types of dahlias, along with a bunch of seeds I collected that will create entirely new varieties… Who needs to cut grass, anyway?!
If you’re looking to expand a space or create your first garden, here are some things to think about.
What type of garden do you want to create?
Do you want to have vegetables and herbs outside of your kitchen?
Do you want to grow flowers? Annuals, perennials, both?
Are you growing just once for a special event (like wedding flowers), temporarily (maybe in containers if you’re renting or planning to move), or starting a permanent garden?
What style do you like?
You can plant in rows, clusters, or mingled together in a cottage or meadow garden style. Rows may feel “utilitarian” and like commercial production to some, but they are very organized and easy for irrigation systems. Straight lines and clean edges can complement a modern style. Some plants may need support like staking or netting which will be visible. I like my veggies organized and my flowers mingling together.
Whatever your style choice, keep in mind areas for access (footpaths, space for a wheelbarrow or lawnmower).
Where will you grow?
🪴 How much space do you have? Are you growing in containers or in the landscape? Do you need to think about protection from deer, rabbits, etc?
☀️ What is the sunlight like?
💧Is water available, or do you need to add irrigation?
🏜 Does the soil drain well? Is it overly dry? Does it get runoff from a gutter or driveway? Is it wet? Is the soil in good condition, are amendments needed, or will raised beds be best?
Is the area windy or protected? Winds can topple plants and also cause them to dry out faster. Make sure to consider all seasons if you’ll be growing perennials.
You may want something to lessen the winds (fencing, a shrub row) — something that lets a little air pass through, but filters the winds, is often best. A solid structure can create a bit of a turbulence as winds pass over. (Think windbreak rather than windblock.)
Read more about soil here.
Read more about location and in-ground vs raised beds here.
What plants do you want to grow?
If you’re not sure, grab some seed catalogs and get acquainted with what’s out there!
Do you have room for trees and shrubs, or are you focusing on smaller plants? Think about things that provide value early, midway, and late in the season (whether flowers, foliage, or harvest). Succession planting can extend the impact of annual flowers and some vegetables.
Review the USDA Hardiness Zone map. The map was just updated in late 2023. (Hint: many of us are now a zone or half-zone warmer!) Keep in mind that the hardiness map is based on low temperatures, not summer conditions. This is especially important for perennials that need to survive the winter, but doesn’t impact annuals as much.
If you’re growing flowers, are you growing to make bouquets, and planning to cut the blooms regularly? Or do you want to see flowers in bloom in the garden all season? Maybe you hope to have flowers that create pollinator or wildlife habitat?
If you want to grow veggies, make sure to plant the things your family enjoys. Try a few new things, but make sure most will be eaten. Maybe sneak in a few flowers to help attract pollinators!
When it’s time to select plants, or seeds, revisit this post.
How much do you want to grow?
You can’t grow all of everything all at once (though I still try!), so think about how much you really need to plant to meet your goals.
Are you growing to enjoy fresh during the season, or more for drying or storage? Is it just for you and your household? A step toward self-sufficiency? To share with friends and family? Enough to sell some?
Practice makes… better (not perfect!).
If this is a new garden, or you’re making a big change, remind yourself that “Gardening” is a verb – it’s a process. Gardeners are always learning and gardens are constantly changing, growing, and evolving.
Starting with a blank slate can feel overwhelming. Break down a bigger overall project into smaller chunks and tackle one at a time.
If you’re starting a totally new garden, you might find yourself searching for something to anchor it. Maybe that’s your home, a tree or shrub you want to work around, or a place you want to put a bench. Start there and build outward.
If you want all of the pieces to work together eventually, you can repeat a pattern and plant combinations from your first “chunk” or tie areas together by using a mix of the same plants or repeating some of the same colors (cool blues and whites? Soft peach and lavender? Deep purple and golden yellow? Vibrant fuchsia and summery orange? Blush and burgundy? A mix of chartreuse and chocolate foliage?).
Consider having a practice area – your own Test Garden. Botanical gardens often have “trial gardens” where they test out new plants to see how they perform. Everyone has slightly different conditions in each garden space. It’s nice to have the freedom to experiment! If a plant dies, you’ve got a spot for something new!
Lastly, what else do you want to do in the space?
Think about all of the functions in the area when laying out your space.
- If you have a smaller yard, you may want to make sure the garden looks attractive, and also might want other functions. You may want an area to sit with morning coffee (a bench or bistro table), a mealtime dining space, or a fire pit.
- Do you want to add a water feature?
- Do you need an open lawn or play space for pets or family?
Keep your long-term vision for your garden in mind as you decide which areas to focus on each season. In a few years, you’ll be surprised to look back at how far you’ve come!
Below is a quick comparison of my yard when I moved in, to my garden just this past season.
