A few days ago Carrie asked:
Mavis, do you plan our your garden beds before planting? I have 6 new raised beds and have filled two with spring veggie seeds. I did one with the “square foot” technique and the other with short rows of different seeds. Planting the rows was easier since I didn’t lay out a permanent grid for the square foot garden. I’m finding it difficult to visualize the final result and to sit down and plan since I will have to buy some tomato and pepper starts. Any advice?
So, here’s the truth: I was totally planning on mapping out my garden this year. I started then stopped so many times. I don’t know why, but I just couldn’t get motivated to do it, so I ended up winging it, and I’m planting our favorite things.
Whew! That felt good to get off my chest. And I only confess, because while I am about to give you advice, I did not follow it myself.
When I do actually take the time to map out my garden, I get higher yields, I don’t over buy, and it’s easier to keep track of when a spot will open up for a new crop. Planning really is the smarter way to go about it.
I personally have found the easiest way to map out a garden is to first make a list of all of the things you wish to grow. List them ALL. You may not have room for everything, but step two will determine any crops you might have to cross off the list.
Once you’ve made a list, get yourself some graph paper, a PENCIL {you’ll be erasing a lot}, and a ruler {calling all type A’s}. Decide on a scale {yes, you’ll have to go out with a tape measure and measure your garden}, and then draw it out. For your square foot garden, you can draw in the grids. It will help you visualize the garden. Write in what you’ve already planted, and make a note when that square foot will open up again for a second planting. Now just fill in the blanks using your list. The book Groundbreaking Gardens is a great resource if you are looking for a book.
I am sure there are a million other ways to map out your garden {I know there are some radical apps out there, if that’s your thing}, so if any of YOU have a different method, make sure to share it in the comments and help Carrie out.
Keep Calm and Garden On,
Mavis
Julie says
I use the website Zukeeni and it awesome! They are developing it right now so it’s gonna get better and better!!
Carrie says
Thanks for answering my question! I’ve actually done some of the things you mentioned. I laid out all the seeds I already had (I subscribe to a Seeds of the Month club) and decided what I wanted to try. Then I made a list of what I still needed to buy. I made up a template on Publisher of my garden beds so I can reuse it year after year, then I penciled in my layout. After I plant something I go back and write in ink so I know what space is taken.
I’ve also combed over Pinterest and Google looking at images to try and make my beds pleasing to the eye. My vegetable garden is in my front yard so I want it to look nice and hopefully encourage others to try growing some food.
I’ll have to send you pictures once everything is up.
Tracy says
I do love seeing your garden through Lucy’s eyes…er…butt. I have a little Jack Russell who is never more than 5 feet from me, either, and they are just the best garden companions. I laugh every time I see Lucy’s fascinated and concerned expression with the chicks too. She is absolutely riveted. Whatever will she do when they leave?
Tejas Prairie Hen says
I have to plant my seeds according to the amount of sunlight that area receives. Here in south central Texas I plant all the root crops and tomatoes under the eaves of the house so they only get the morning sun. Peppers, okra, and squash are ok out in the yard. My goal over the next couple of years is to build and plant a keyhole garden. Popular in Africa and areas with less rainfall, keyhole gardens have compost in the center cage and you can attach a canopy to shade the veggies from the blistering sun.