Its that time again!! Or even a little past time if you live where I do… Its time to plan your garden! I’m actually a little behind on this one, but that’s basically the story of my (gardening) life. I finally got down to business this weekend and solidified my garden plan. I actually already have a few plants in containers, since my mom was on her game and started a few plants for me.
If you are thinking of starting a garden for the first time this year, I thought I’d walk through the garden planning steps I use every year.
Check your frost dates
The seed packet will tell you how many weeks before or after the average last frost to plant your seeds or when to start them indoors. Check the farmer’s almanac site to see when the last in your area. Mine is April 9th.
Start indoors or start outdoors?
Some plants do much better when they are started from seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the average last frost. Some plants do not do well being transplanted. The seed packet will tell you which is better, but this will help you plan ahead if you need to start seeds indoors a couple months early.
Container or bed?
If you saw my garden last year, I went with an all container garden because we got into our new house mid-Spring. It worked out really well, but there are definitely some things you can’t grow in a container. Check out this list of 66 things you can grow in containers.
I’m also getting a real garden bed this year! I’m pretty excited to grow cantaloupe, watermelon and sunflowers, things that definitely can’t be grown in containers.
How much space do you need?
The seed packet will tell you how far apart to plant your seeds or plants. Decide how many plants you want and plan the needed space out accordingly.
One easy way is to use a square foot garden, where each square foot has a different plant. I love these plans from Williams-Sonoma. How cool would it be to have a designated salsa garden or a salad garden?
Those are the four things I look at when I’m planning out my garden each year.
I already have some kale and lettuce in containers since they can handle cold temperatures, but the rest of my tentative garden plan is:
March 26th
Baby carrots
April 2nd
Cherry tomatoes (container)
Bush tomatoes (container)
Potatoes
April 23rd
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Bell peppers (container)
Chilis (container)
Are you planning on growing anything this year? If so, what?
I wish I had a place for a little garden. Even though I wouldn’t eat most of it (why must I be so picky?), I know Pete would love it and I love watching things grow!
Jess Zimlich recently posted…Get Shit Done
Most of the stuff I grow is for the husband, but Ill eat some of it. Its so rewarding to see stuff grow!
You have such a green thumb! I can’t wait to see the things you grow. I love the idea of having a little garden, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet. Maybe someday. I’m sure it’s so rewarding to see the progress and then be able to eat what you’ve grown. Hope you’re having a great day:)
Kari recently posted…OUT AND ABOUT IN KANSAS CITY: WEST BOTTOMS
You can always start with even one container of tomatoes or peppers on the patio. Or herbs, they’re easy too!
Thank you for sharing your great advice. I am gardening on my balcony so I end up with a container garden. I wish I could grow melons they are so tasty and refreshning during the summer. It might be possible gardening in a different zone in Sweden if you are able to have a hot bench. Happy gardening!
Charlotte recently posted…Start a Garden
I’m glad you found it helpful. I’ve never heard of a hot bench, its interesting to me that there are regulations on patio gardening in Sweden!
LOVE this! I wish we weren’t getting ready to list our house/move, but maybe I can use some tips for late summer or fall planting! 🙂
That’s why I love container gardening, because its easy to move, but there are tons of things you can grow in the fall. Good luck with the house hunting!!