by Mali Farnsworth

Created on: December 24, 2011   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

Dreaming of the perfect garden?  You can get one this year by mapping out your garden before you plant.  

Step One:  Choose your crop. What do you want to grow?

Plants, like people, have different needs. While you may like certain vegetables or flowers, they may not be amenable to living where you do. A Brandywine tomato grows fine in Georgia, while an Early Girl is recommended for Alaska’s cooler, short growing season. So pay special attention to those varieties that thrive in your area when you make a list of what you want to grow.  Your local nurseryman will be able to advise you, or better yet, check in with the

National Gardening Association to determine your hardiness zone.

Step Two:  Think numbers. How much produce do you want or need? 

The USDA advises gardeners to decide, “Whether you want only enough to eat fresh or enough for extra to preserve.” Planting too much of one thing can leave you with a truck load of corn you cannot use. And while it is wonderful to share with friends and extended family, it can be even more satisfying to grow a greater variety of produce and reap the benefit of better nutrition. The same holds true for flowers which show best in a complimentary array of colors, shapes, and textures.

Step Three:  Location, location, location!

The placement of your garden is key. According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Most gardens should have a full six hours of sunlight.” But while vegetables and the majority of flowers do well in sun, Bleeding Heart, Sweet Violets, and Periwinkle, are just a few of the flower species that prefer shade.  All varieties of garden plants, however, need water, so make certain that the water supply is close at hand for easy tending. And beware of large trees and shrubs that may draw water away from tender garden shoots. Even shade loving plants may require extra watering when planted near larger neighbors.

Step Four:  Check your soil.

Growing plants need help to put down strong roots. The texture of the soil and chemical composition are equally important.  A rich, friable loam, crumbly to the touch, is preferable for quality vegetables while certain species of flowers and melons prefer a sandier environment. Again, it is best to consult your local nurseryman before beginning your garden project.  Most backyard soil can be amended to meet the necessary requirements. But in areas with hard clay, raised beds are often the answer. In either scenario, soil should be well drained as standing water can rot new roots. 

Step Five:  Put a stake in the ground – literally.

Mark out your chosen garden location and measure. Transfer measurements to graph paper where plans can be made for garden rows, walking space, and positioning of tall versus short plants and flowers. Better still - take advantage of the variety of free garden plan worksheets online. Vegetable Gardening Online  are two of the myriad resources available to help your garden to be everything you want and need it to be.

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