No serious gardener will start off the season without the garden planning process.

Do you feel like you’re not getting the results you want from your garden? Are you spending hours weeding and watering, only to end up with a meager harvest?

The solution might be simpler than you think. Introducing the Garden Planning process – the must-have tool for serious gardeners.

In this article, you will discover expert tips on maximizing space, incorporating companion planting, and making full use of sun and shade for resilient and productive plants. You will also learn how to stay focused on your gardening goals, stay on budget, and know how many plants to seed start to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Get ready to take your organic gardening game to the next level!

Garden Planning Maximizes Space

To truly transform your outdoor space, maximizing your garden’s potential is a must. If you leave open bare spaces in between plants in your garden mother nature will fill that space with weeds.

Alternately, crowding out your plants will not allow them to reach their full production potential. Some plants require more space than others, and planting them too closely can lead to stunted growth and poor yields.

The first step to knowing how many plants to seed start is to determine the planting distance for each type of plant. Research the planting distance for each type of plant you want to grow and use this information to calculate how many seeds to start.

Taking the time to sit down and make a plan that incorporates the ideal spacing will make your season a whole easier and more successful.

Growing Vertically

This can be done by carefully planning the placement of plants and utilizing vertical space. Consider adding trellises for climbing plants or shelving to showcase potted herbs and flowers. 

You can also use raised garden beds to make the most of your available space and add a visual element to your garden.

Incorporating Companion Planting

Another consideration when planning your garden is incorporating companion planting. This involves strategically planting different species of plants together that complement each other in terms of nutrient uptake, pest control, and growth rate.

For example, planting tomatoes with basil can deter pests and improve tomato flavour. Similarly, planting carrots with onions can help repel carrot flies. Companion planting can also improve soil health and biodiversity by encouraging beneficial insects and microbial activity.

By incorporating companion planting into your garden plan, you can improve overall plant health and yield by encouraging diversity. This creates resilience in the system. If you look at how mother nature plants. She does not mono-crop anything!

Making Full Use of Sun & Shade

Making full use of sun and shade is another crucial aspect of garden planning. When planning your garden, it’s essential to take into account the amount of sunlight each area receives throughout the day. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer a bit of shade.

For areas that get full sun, consider planting fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. These heat-loving plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce a bountiful harvest. If you have a spot that gets only partial sun, consider planting leafy greens, herbs, or flowers like impatiens or begonias.

Shady spots in the garden can be a bit trickier to plan for. However, you can still grow a variety of plants that prefer less direct sunlight. Hostas, ferns, and hydrangeas are all excellent choices for shady areas. If you’re looking to grow vegetables, consider planting leafy greens like lettuce or spinach, which can tolerate less sunlight than other crops.

Staying Focused on Your Goal for the Gardening Season

With so many options and possibilities, it can be easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of what you want to accomplish. Take some time to reflect on your vision for your garden and what you hope to achieve this season. 

There is only so much time, money and space. Whatever your goals may be, keeping them in mind will help guide your decisions and keep you on track.

By knowing exactly what you want to achieve, you can make more informed decisions about what plants and materials to purchase, and avoid impulse buys that don’t fit with your overall vision.

I have been absolutely loving this garden planning notebook to keep with me in my grow room, out in the garden and while shopping. I use it to hold my shopping list and also make notes on what is happening from seed starting to planting and harvesting. You can grab a copy at this link.

Know How Many Plants to Seed Start

Knowing how many plants to seed start is a crucial step in creating the garden of your dreams. Seed starting enables you to save money while growing a wide variety of plants that may not be available at your local nursery. However, it’s essential to understand how many seeds to start to avoid overcrowding and ensure that your plants have enough space to thrive.

Another factor to consider is the germination rate of the seeds. Not all seeds will germinate, and some may take longer than others to sprout. It’s essential to factor in the germination rate when calculating how many seeds to start to ensure that you have enough plants to achieve your desired garden layout.

Staying on Budget

Garden planning can quickly become overwhelming and expensive if you’re not careful. Having a clear garden plan is basically your shopping list. You will know how many seeds to buy, how many starter plants to start and/or how many starter plants to buy from the greenhouse.

Start with the plants and features that are essential to your vision, and then fill in with less critical elements as your budget allows. Additionally, consider purchasing smaller plants or starting seeds to save money in the long run.

With your goals in mind, you can create a thoughtful and intentional garden that brings you joy and satisfaction all season long. And by staying on track with your budget, you can achieve your goals without breaking the bank.

Transforming a barren patch of dirt into a beautiful garden requires careful garden planning and execution. By maximizing space, incorporating companion planting, and making full use of sun and shade, you can create a thriving outdoor oasis. Remember to stay focused on your goals for the gardening season, stay on budget, and know how many plants to seed start.

To avoid the overwhelm of successfully incorporating all of these elements into a good garden plan I have created a mini-course you can access right now to get garden planning. It will guide you step-by-step to apply each piece to achieve a stress free gorgeous garden plan for your upcoming season. Registration is open for my Vegetable Garden Planning Mini-course. Click this link to get planning now!

“A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.”

horticulturist Liberty Hyde Bailey