Plotting Your Way to a Bountiful Garden

For a structure to be suitable as a house, it has to have a strong foundation. The same rules apply to a garden. For it to provide you with delicious vegetables and herbs, it, too, has to have a strong foundation. Are you about to begin your garden plot planning? Enjoy our step-by-step garden plot preparation guide. You’ll be harvesting your delicious bounty in no time.

Step 1: Pick the Right Spot

One of the most critical steps for garden plot planning is the location. You might have spare space for a garden in your back yard, but is it the right space?

Most vegetables, and even flowers, require at least six hours of sunlight a day to survive and thrive. However, some plants prefer only a little bit of sun but plenty of shade. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but there is a ‘one-size-fits­-best’ approach.

Research the needs of the plants you will include in your garden. If they need both sun and shade, watch your property over a few days to understand where the sun hits and for how long. You can then choose an area that best suits your plants and your preferences.

However, there can be more to the picture than purely sunshine. You also have to ensure that the area in which you’re putting your garden plot is level. Otherwise, water distribution won’t be even, and some plants may suffer. If you have sloping land, terrace the beds with wood, rocks, or boards.

Step 2: Factor in Your Climate

Where you live can play a part in what you use to grow your vegetables. If you live in the coldest parts of New Zealand, typically found in the South Island, raised beds can be worth factoring into the decision-making process.

Raised beds above the ground allow the soil to warm up quicker in spring. You can build these garden boxes yourself or purchase them pre-made in plastic or wood.

If you live in a warmer climate, in-ground beds may be more than suitable. They require less watering but can be harder to maintain, given that you have to bend down.

Step 3: Decide on a Quantity

Think about all the plants you want to grow and the space they will need. Unless you plan on planting potatoes or carrots, you’re going to need more than one bed.

Not only do multiple beds allow for more variety, but they also allow you to rotate your crops annually to keep them healthy. Garden beds should be around 1.2 metres wide, with pathways between them of at least half a metre.

Step 4: Prepare the Earth

If you are using raised garden beds, you can skip this step. Otherwise, put measures in place to start removing the lawn where your new in-ground garden beds will go.

Mark and line the area you will be digging out. You can then slice the sod with a spade and put it into your compost heap. Alternatively, if you have bald spots in your lawn, you can patch these up, so they look as good as new. Remove any weeds, debris, and surface garbage before you begin preparing your soil for planting.

Step 5: Prepare the Soil

If you haven’t purchased soil from your local garden store that’s ready for planting, you’ll need to make sure your dirt is healthy for growth. Carry out a soil pH test that ensures your soil has the best balance of nutrients for plants to thrive. These tests are easy to find at your local hardware store.

If your soil isn’t as fertile as you would have hoped, you can add organic matter such as plant and animal manure or compost. Layer it up to 5cm over the plot, then dig it into the top 15cm of soil. You’re now ready to plant!

Helpful Gardening Tips

An essential part of garden plot planning is making sure you create the best plot for your climate. However, we’ve also included some helpful tips that may also prove useful as you commence your gardening journey.

Keep a Gardening Journal

During your plants’ early stages of growth, you may not know how to tell the difference between each plant. Yet, they may all require different levels of care. If it helps, draw a diagram of what you planted and when. You can also outline any extra nutrients you may have given some plants.

Don’t Plant Vegetables and Flowers Together

As tempting as it can be to plant flowers and vegetables together, it’s not a match made in heaven. Particular flower varieties may grow faster and taller than your vegetables, which means they have the potential to steal your vegetables’ much-needed sunshine.

Rotate, Rotate, Rotate

It’s easy to get into the habit of planting your vegetables where you did in previous years. Though, that’s not always in their best interest. Crop rotation can be paramount for making sure your soil remains healthy and rich.

Ready to Start Gardening?

Planting a new garden and growing your own vegetables can be quite exciting and rewarding. Follow these steps above, and you can be on your way to success! However, if you have any questions or require a helping hand, don’t forget to reach out to your local gardening expert for help.