As the gardening season looms on the horizon, many of us find ourselves pondering the same dilemmas: What should I plant and in what quantities? These decisions hinge on personal and family preferences. A key piece of advice is to avoid planting crops your family doesn't consume. For instance, if tomatoes aren't a family favorite, resist the urge to include multiple plants in your garden merely for tradition's sake. Your garden plan should reflect the tastes and consumption habits of your household.
Begin your garden planning by sketching a map of your available space, followed by a wishlist of plants you'd like to include. This visual approach simplifies the planning process.
After finalizing your garden's plant list, assess the quantity needed for each plant. This helpful chart by The Spruce can guide you, though it may not cover every plant you desire. If your chosen plants are not listed, research their space and quantity requirements. Feel free to adjust the suggested plant numbers based on your consumption patterns. Ultimately, your garden should cater to your preferences, allowing you to adjust the planting quantities as you see fit.
Deciding on the placement of plants is the next step once you've determined the necessary quantities. This phase can be challenging. Consult your plan to understand the spatial requirements for each plant. Remember to allocate areas for flowers to attract pollinators, enhancing your garden's yield. Strategically placing flowers in the corners can free up valuable space for vegetable rows.
Upon completing our plan, it's clear only some things on my wishlist fit into the garden, which is perfectly acceptable. For instance, if space is tight, herbs can be easily relocated to containers. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't worry. Garden layouts are flexible, and you may discover additional space as you begin planting. It's also okay to deviate from your initial plan. Preferences change, and gardening is an evolving process. If things don't turn out as planned this year, remember there's always next season to refine your approach.
Tips: Most herbs can be grown in containers, so if you need more space for veggies, take them out and put them in pots beside your garden.