(Learn more about crop rotation right here.) Consider adding pollinator plants to attract beneficial insects that can not only help you get a better harvest, but will also prey on garden pests.Īlso, if this isn't your first garden, think about where you planted your veggies last year, then be sure to rotate them to different beds for the coming season to help prevent diseases and avoid plant-hungry pests that overwinter in the soil. (To find out how much space each plant requires, look for your favorite varieties here.) Crowded plants have to compete for nutrients, sunlight, and water, so they're not able to grow as big and strong as they otherwise would.Īs a general rule, put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border. Now, add the names of the plants you want to grow to the vegetable garden planner, making sure to leave enough space in between each one. Plant up beautiful glazed pots on a sunny deck for a garden that's decorative as well as delicious. Limit the width of each vegetable bed to 3 to 4 feet, so that you'll be able to reach across the bed to plant, weed, or harvest without stepping onto the soil and compacting it. Using a ratio of 1 foot = 1 box on the graph paper, sketch the beds and containers you plan to use, leaving enough space between them to push a wheelbarrow. By putting your garden on paper before you lift a shovel, you'll save time-and avoid potential mistakes.įirst, take a photo of your garden area and measure its approximate size. Lay Out Your Garden on PaperĪlthough it may give you an unwelcome flashback to geometry class, graph paper really is your friend when creating a vegetable garden layout. List What You LoveĪre you a culinary master, hoping to grow a rainbow of heirloom tomatoes for fabulous meals? Do you adore Brussels sprouts but despise collards? Before you purchase any plants, create a list of the vegetables you love, then allocate space in your vegetable garden layout to grow them.īe sure to include space-saving trellises to support vining veggies like cucumbers and peas, and if perennial plants like asparagus and strawberries top your favorite foods list, consider creating a permanent plot for them to grow. It's better to start small, with a few raised beds or containers, then add to your vegetable garden plan each year. How much space do you need? While having a huge garden may sound like a great idea, it can also be overwhelming if you're a new gardener. Do that and you won't have to schlep a hose or heavy watering can all over the yard. How far away is the water? Make certain that the space you select for your vegetable garden layout provides easy access to a water source. Be sure to steer clear of walnut trees, which produce a toxin that's harmful to vegetable plants. Is there already a lot of vegetation around? If there is a large number of shrubs or trees, they will compete with your garden not only for nutrients and moisture in the soil, but also for sunlight. That way, it's more likely that you'll notice when watering is needed or pests invade Is there a spot near the house? If you lay out your vegetable garden near an entrance way, you'll pass it often. Note that the south, east, and west sides of your home will get more sun than the north. Where do you get the most sun? Many vegetables require 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day.
To begin, take stock of your potential growing space. In order to grow such an amazing harvest, though, it's important to figure out the best vegetable garden layout for your space and the plants you want to grow. By planting companion vegetables next to one another, you will naturally deter weeds and pests, enrich your soil, create a mutually beneficial environment for your vegetables and optimize your garden layout and space.Is there anything more satisfying and delicious than growing your own food? From the first tender tips of asparagus in spring to the tasty tang of summer's homegrown tomatoes, a garden filled with beautiful, productive plants provides a terrific sense of accomplishment-and fabulous, fresh meals. The basis of companion planting is pretty simple: plant vegetables next to each other so they can benefit one another rather than compete for nutrients and space.
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