Preparing a garden plan
Plan your garden on paper before planting. A well-planned garden can provide fresh or preserved vegetables for use year-round. The plan should contain:
- crops and amounts to be planted
- dates of planting and estimated harvest
- planting location for each crop
- specific spacing between rows
- trellising or support required
The plan will aid in buying supplies and serve as a handy guide in timing plantings during the season. Plans can be something as simple as planning sweet corn planting dates and variety types to avoid cross-pollination and starchy ears or locating the section of the garden where perennial vegetables will be planted.
First, make a sketch that shows the dimensions of the garden area. Prepare a list of vegetables you want to grow. Then arrange the crops in the garden according to the amounts you wish to grow, dates to be planted, and space available. Plant perennial crops such as rhubarb and asparagus to one side of the garden so they are not disturbed by preparations for future crops. Plant tall crops, such as corn and pole beans, on the north side of the garden so they will not shade low-growing crops.