Garden Planning: It’s Never Too Early to Start!

Samantha Owens
Mar 14
2 min read

Winter may still have its grip, but dreaming of garden-fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers? Now is the perfect time to plan your garden! A little forethought now will set you up for a season of abundant harvests, fewer headaches, and a whole lot of garden happiness. So, grab a notebook (or a napkin, we don’t judge) and let’s map out your best garden yet!

Step 1: Pick Your Garden Spot

Before you start dreaming of endless zucchini (trust us, they multiply like crazy), take a good look at your space. Whether you have a huge backyard plot, a raised bed, or a few patio containers, you can grow something delicious!

🌞 Sunlight Matters: Most veggies need 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your space is shady, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach are more forgiving.

💦 Water Access: Make sure your garden isn’t a mile from your hose—dragging buckets of water in the summer is no fun.

🍃 Soil Health: Healthy soil = happy plants. If you’re using garden beds, add compost before planting. If you’re in containers, choose a high-quality potting mix.

Step 2: Decide What to Grow (and Where to Grow It)

Size Matters: Some plants, like squash and pumpkins, take up A LOT of space. Others, like carrots and radishes, are small-space champs. Know how big your plants will get before you plant!

Companion Planting = Happy Plants

Some plants grow better together, while others fight like siblings in the backseat on a road trip.

✅ Good Companions:

Tomatoes + Basil = Flavor Boost & Pest Protection
Carrots + Onions = Fewer Bugs, Happier Roots
Corn + Beans + Squash (The Three Sisters) = Classic Symbiosis

❌ Bad Neighbors:

Tomatoes & Potatoes (Both attract the same pests)
Beans & Onions (Onions stunt bean growth)
Fennel & Everything (Fennel plays the loner card and doesn’t like anyone)

Step 3: Use Every Inch (Succession Planting & Vertical Gardening)

Succession Planting: Keep your garden producing all season long by replanting crops after harvesting!

Start with cool-season crops (lettuce, radishes, peas).
Mid-season, switch to warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans).
As summer cools down, replant quick growers (spinach, beets, more lettuce).

Grow Up, Not Out: If space is tight, go vertical! Use trellises, cages, and stakes to grow:

Cucumbers
Pole beans
Indeterminate tomatoes
Peas

Step 4: Create a Garden Map

Don’t just wing it! A simple sketch (even a doodle) will help you keep track of what’s going where.

Mark where each plant will go (keeping spacing in mind). Note when to plant each crop (some start early, others need heat). Plan for crop rotation (to avoid disease buildup, move plants around each year).

Final Thoughts: Garden Planning is Half the Fun!

A well-planned garden means bigger harvests, fewer headaches, and more fun during the growing season. So start sketching and get excited—your dream garden is just a plan away!

What are YOU growing this year? Tell us in the comments!

Would you like to add any specific planting tips or recommendations?