Starting a garden can feel overwhelming, but it all begins with a simple plan. Taking a little time to plan your garden will save you time, money, and frustration later on.
Choose the Right Location
Planning your garden by placing it in the right location is a key step to a successful garden. Most plants need at least 6–8 hours of sunlight each day. Watch your yard and notice which areas get the most sun. You can draw a simple picture of your house or garden area and add the direction of the sun throughout different times of the day. This will give you a good idea of the hours of sunlight and shade in each area.
Also consider:
- Easy access to water
- Good drainage (no standing water)
- Close to your house (so you’ll actually maintain it)
Decide What Size to Start
Start small. A 4×4 foot garden or a 4×8 foot garden bed is perfect for beginners. You can also grow many fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs in pots or containers on your porch, deck or balcony.
It’s better to manage a small space well than get overwhelmed with too much.
Decide What You Want to Grow
Think about what you actually enjoy:
- Flowers for beauty
- Vegetables and herbs for food
- A mix of both
Your preferences of fruits, vegetables, flower colors/types, and herbs that you use in cooking will be the guiding principle behind the plants that you choose. Don’t waste time planting things that you will not enjoy or eat.
Sketch a Simple Plan
Draw a basic layout of your garden. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just a rough idea of where things will go in your garden or containers. You can get more specific later on in your planning.
Final Thoughts
Planning your garden sets you up for success. Once you know where and what you’re planting, everything else becomes much easier. You have completed Step One: Planning Your Garden and are well on your way to a wonderful journey! Continue through our four step roadmap to beginner gardening success with Step Two:Soil Preparation.