Vegetable Garden Planner - Layout, Design, Plans for Small Home Gardens
If you have grown vegetables before you may have experienced the results of poor planning. You may have had a glut of lettuce, had zucchini piling up and turning to huge monsters. Yet you may have run short of many other things you had grown. With some better planning, designing and layout, you and your family, can enjoy having lots of fun, eating healthy home grown produce and reducing your grocery bills. You will be able to eat and enjoy a variety of delicious homegrown vegetables picked fresh from your garden.
At first planning a garden, big enough and diverse enough to feed your family can appear to be too hard. How many tomato plants should you plant to feed a family of four? How many carrots, onions, cauliflower, etc. Fortunately there are some good guidelines and the table shown below summarises how much of each type of vegetable to plant. The table is presented in term of row length and number of plants

What Vegetables Should You Plant
The choice of vegetables depends on your individual or family preferences, the season, the space available and the soil and water.
Don't waste garden space producing wonderful crops of plants that no on in the family will eat.
Cater for your demand and don't plant all the seed at once. Sow seed successively into the space allocated so that you have an on-going supply.
This will takes some experience and you also need to know how long various vegetables take to grow and seasonal requirements.
Plants such tomatoes, broccoli, capsicums, lettuce,beans, peas, carrots and zucchini are all easy to grow and are always needed in the kitchen rewarding. You don't necessarily need a huge space as you can grow things in layers.
Permaculture is built on the principle of layers for garden design. Sustainable Permaculture gardens provide continuous yields for minimum effort once developed. These priciples can be applied to home gardens.
A well designed vegetable garden can be very attractive in your backyard and offer hours of enjoyment for the whole family. It can also save a lot of money.
There are some excellent websites that provide guidelines for designing various types of gardens.
The images below provide examples of compact gardens you can grow for various purposes.
Tips for Vegetable Garden Planning, Care and Maintenance
Consider freezing and preserving the excess -Tomatoes can be made into salsa, sauce, or frozen! You can freeze virtually all vegetables - including berries, beans, peas, tomatoes. You may have to blanche or briefly boil them. Preservation can also be very effective if you have the equipment.
Design Considerations for Home Vegetable Gardens
Location -One of the really fundamental requirements for a successful vegetable garden is a sunny location, preferably out of the wind. Choose the sunniest location you have available. If you only have paved areas that get the sun then you can then plant your vegetables in containers such as large pots.
The Soil -The soil used for a vegetable garden has to have adequate organic material and have a good structure and be well-drained. This promotes rapid root growth and ensures that water, nutrients and air are available for the plants Of you have organic material such as compost, well-rotted animal manures this will enrich the soil and promote growth.
If you have to start from scratch by turning an area of lawn or degraded garden then consider using the "no-dig garden" approach for growing potatoes in layers of straw, hay and compost places directly onto a thick layer of old newspapers. See:Starting a New Garden the No Dig Way using in-Garden Composting and Potatoes
Sowing -The best way to sow the seeds is to dot them along a straight trench, dug to the depth required for the plant. The job of spacing out tiny seeds can be made a lot easier by mixing them with sand and then spreading the sand along the trench. Follow the directions on the pack when sowing the seeds. A general rule of thumb is not to plant the seed deeper than twice the diameter of the seed, but with a minimum depth of 1 cm (0.5 inch). Fill in the trench and pat down with a rake.
Water the surface of the soil using a fine spray or a watering can. Regular watering is required as the seeds germinate and start to grow. Depending on the size of he seed and the species the shoots should appear in several days to a week.
Coping with Pests -Try to be organic if you can, otherwise use low toxicity pesticides, such as Pyrethrum and non toxic biological control treatments such as Dipel (for caterpillars). Companion plantings, such as planting Marigolds around the base of tomato plants. A snail beer trap can work wonders and avoids the risk or kill your pets with commercial snail-baits. Simply bury a container level with the ground and fill it with beer. Snails and slugs find the beer irresistible and drown.




Planting Quantity Guide
Crop | Spacing of Plants | Per Person | Family of 4 |
---|---|---|---|
Asparagus | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 5-10 plants | 25 plants |
6 foot (2m) row | 25 ft (8m) row | ||
Beans, Bush | 2 plants per 1 foot(30cm) row | 12-15 plants | 45 plants |
6 foot(2 m) row | 18 foot (6m) row | ||
Beans, Pole | 3 plants per pole | 4 poles | 3 poles |
Beets | Thin to 3 plants per 1 foot(30cm) row | 20 plants | 100 plants |
6 foot(2m) row | 30 feet(10m) row | ||
Broccoli | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 3 Plants | 6 plants |
3 foot(1m) row | 6 foot(2m) row | ||
Brussel Sprouts | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 3 plants | 6 plants |
3 foot(1m) row | 6 foot(2m) row | ||
Cabbage | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 3 plants | 6 plants |
3 foot(1m) row | 6 foot(2m) row | ||
Carrots | Thin to 12 plants per 1 foot(30cm) row | 50 plants | 150 Plants |
4 foot (1.5m) row | 12 feet (7.5m) row | ||
Cauliflower | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 3 plants | 6 plants |
3 foot(1m) row | 6 foot(2m) row | ||
Chard | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 3 plants | 6 plants |
3 foot(1m) row | 6 foot(2m) row | ||
Corn | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 10-15 plants | 40 plants in blocks |
12 foot (4m) row | 36 foot (8m) row | ||
Cucumber | 1 plant per 2 foot(60cm) row | 1 vine | 2 vines |
2 bushes | 4 bushes | ||
Eggplant | 1 plant per 2 foot(60cm) row | 2-3 plants | 7 plants |
6 foot(2m) row | 12 foot(6m) row | ||
Garlic | 3 plants per 1 foot(30cm) | 10-15 plants | 40 plants |
6 foot (2m) row | 18 foot (6m) row | ||
Kale | 3 plants per 1 foot(30cm) | 3 plants | 6 plants |
3 foot(1m) row | 6 foot(2m) row | ||
Lettuce, Leaf | Thin to 3 plants per 1 foot(30cm) row | 24 plants | 75 plants |
8 foot (2.5m) row | 26 foot(7.5m) row | ||
Melon | 1 plant per 6 foot(2m) row | 1-2 plants | 4 plants |
18 foot(6m) row | 36 foot (12m) row | ||
Onion | 4 sets per 1 foot(30cm) row | 20 plants | 60 plants |
12 foot (4m) row | 18 foot (6m) row | ||
Peas | 6 plants per 1 foot(30cm) row | 15-20 plants | 70 plants |
3 foot(1m) row | 9 foot(3m) row | ||
Pepper | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 3-5 plants | 8-10 plants |
4 foot(1.2m) row | 8 foot(2.4m) row | ||
Squash, Summer | 6 plants in 2 Hills | 6 plants in 2 Hills | 18 plants in 3 Hills |
4 foot(1.2m) row | 8 foot(2.4m) row | ||
Turnips | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 10 plants | 60 plants |
12 foot (4m) row | 18 foot (6m) row | ||
Potato | 1 plant per 1 foot(30cm) row | 10 plants | 40 plants |
10 foot(3m) row | 40 foot(12m) row | ||
Radishes | 5 plants per foot(30cm) | 15-20 plants | 70 plants |
3 foot(1m) row | 9 foot(3m) row | ||
Spinach | 4 plants per 1 foot(30cm) row | 15 plants | 30 plants. |
4 foot(1.2m) row | 12 foot(4m) row | ||
Squash | 1 plant per 6 foot(2m) row | 1-2 plants | 3 plants |
2 hills | 12 foot (4m) row | 18 foot(6m) row | |
Tomato | 1 plant per 2 foot(60cm) row | 2-4 plants | 4-6 plants |
6 foot (2m) row | 12 foot (4m) row | ||
Zucchini | 1 plant per 3 foot(1m) row | 1-2 plants | 4 plants |
6 foot (2m) row | 12 foot (4m) row |
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FAQs
How do you create a small garden answer? ›
- Consider What to Plant.
- Pick the Best Garden Spot.
- Clear the Ground.
- Test and Improve Your Soil.
- Prepare Your Planting Beds.
- Pick Your Plants.
- Start Planting.
- Water at the Right Time.
The most basic garden plan consists of a design with straight, long rows running north to south orientation. A north to south direction will ensure that the garden gets the best sun exposure and air circulation. A garden that runs east to west tends to get too shaded from the crops growing in the preceding row.
Is there a free garden planner? ›Better Homes and Gardens- Plan-A-Garden
This garden planning app is a free tool from Better Homes and Gardens; all you need to do to get full access is sign up for an account with their website.
Grid lines drawn at 45 degrees can be used as a guideline to design the garden. Rectangular themes are the most popular and widely used. They are adapted to give a formal look to the garden.
How I create a small garden essay? ›- My house has a small garden. ...
- All flowers have different colors but I like roses.
- My mother also grows vegetables in the garden.
- We grow vegetables like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and coriander.
- My garden is very beautiful and daily birds come to drink water.
- Use Raised Beds. Forget about growing plants single file in long, parallel rows. ...
- Keep Seedlings Coming. Succession planting keeps the garden in continual production. ...
- Interplant (Intercrop) ...
- Plant Companions, Not Competitors. ...
- Grow Up, Not Out.
A garden should respond well to the adjacent landscape and buildings. Some gardens are very introspective, with apparently little attempt to benefit from any surrounding views or features, and designed without consideration of the impact of road noise, orientation, local climate and any other external factors.
Is the garden Answers app free? ›Free; ID results within 5-10 seconds; 85% accurate. A good basic ID app and straightforward to use.
What is the best free Garden Planner app? ›- Smart Gardener. ...
- BBC Virtual Garden Planner. ...
- Burpee Garden Time Planner. ...
- Garden Planner Online. ...
- Vegetable Gardening Online. ...
- Marshalls Garden Visualizer. ...
- Gardena's My Garden. Photo credit: Gardena. ...
- Kitchen Garden Planner. Photo credit: Kitchen Garden Planner.
Consider the factors that will affect how your garden will grow — sunlight, shade, wind, drainage, access to water, foot traffic patterns — and the balance between lawn, shrubs, flowers and vegetables. A landscape analysis that considers these and other factors is an important first step in garden planning.
What are the 7 steps to landscape design? ›
- Plants should match your site. This is the most important element in developing a successful landscape. ...
- Succession of Bloom. ...
- Forms and Textures. ...
- Interesting Lines. ...
- Complementary Colors. ...
- Intentional Plant Height. ...
- Perennial and annual weed control.
Gardening as a family offers a host of benefits, including promoting healthy eating and exercise habits as well as family bonding and stress relief. If you live in an urban area and/or don't have a yard, consider an indoor garden or working in a community garden.
What are 3 factors to consider when planning a garden? ›- Environment. The environment is one of the most important elements to consider when planning your garden. ...
- Plant size. All plants grow into varying shapes and sizes. ...
- Amount of shade. ...
- Flowering time. ...
- Maintenance. ...
- Resistance to disease and parasites.
With any project, planning is one of the most important elements to create success and can help you save time and money. Your garden is no different. Although it can be tempting to raid the garden centre for plants that catch your eye, you may end up with too much of one thing and not enough of another.
Is there an app for designing a garden? ›1. iScape. iScape is a great app that helps you plan and envision what your garden could look like. It features easy-to-use design tools that allow your project to come to life in no time at all.
What are the three types of home gardening? ›- Butterfly Gardens. Plant flowers that butterflies will love.
- Container Gardening. If space is limited, grow plants in containers.
- Demonstration Gardens. These Extension gardens showcase local plants and sustainable gardening techniques.
- Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs. ...
- Organic Gardening. ...
- Water Gardens.
- Keep things tidy. ...
- Dress your outdoor space. ...
- Keep everything in good order. ...
- Get rid of the clutter. ...
- Clear away any outdoor toys. ...
- Give your garden a clean. ...
- Spring clean. ...
- Time for a Trim.
The biggest factor in growing produce like a boss is the quality of your soil. For smaller home gardeners the fastest and easiest path to better soil is raised beds. They give you efficient spacing, excellent soil quality and are easier to maintain than traditional gardening methods.
What is the best soil mix for vegetable gardens? ›I have found the best vegetable garden soil to be a mix of 1/3 topsoil, 1/3 compost and 1/3 peat moss (or coconut fiber). This mix gives you a well draining soil that also has the ability to retain moisture and is full of nutrients needed for your plants to grow.
What is the most important factor in vegetable gardening? ›Soil. Soil is the most important factor in any garden and perhaps more so in a vegetable garden. Annual vegetables spend their entire season producing flowers and fruits. They are very heavy feeders and rich soil will not just keep them growing strong, it will also help ward off disease and pest problems.
What is the app that answers your questions? ›
Socratic by Google on the App Store.
How do I get app answers? ›- Homework Solver App - Math. (iPhone, iPad) ...
- 2. Answers - Homework Help. (Android, iPhone, iPad) ...
- CameraMath - Homework Help. (Android, iPhone, iPad) ...
- Photomath - Camera Calculator. (Android, iPhone, iPad) ...
- Brainly. (Android, iPhone, iPad) ...
- Chegg. (Android, iPhone, iPad) ...
- WolframAlpha. ...
- Mathway.
iScape App – Free
iScape is useful in helping you get a better idea about what landscaping design would work well for you. It is easy to use and requires you to take a photo of your garden or front yard with your phone's camera. From there, you can create your vision by designing over the image within the app.
Manage all of your Tasks, Habits, Smart 1:1 meetings, and breaks on your schedule with Planner. Automate your daily plan with time blocking, time tracking, and prioritized scheduling so you can focus on your most important work.
How can I make my garden look good with no money? ›- Repurpose old wooden crates to make stylish shelves. ...
- Use old jars as mini planters. ...
- Try DIY terracotta candle holders. ...
- Create a cool, industrial-style aesthetic with oversized planters. ...
- Make an upcycled hanging planter.
- Houzz. ...
- Photo Measures. ...
- Smartdraw. House design website. ...
- My Virtual Home. Free house design and interior design software. ...
- Magicplan. Home design app. ...
- Live Home 3D Pro. House design and interior design app. ...
- Planner 5D. House design and interior design app. ...
- SketchUp. House design software.
Type of Vegetable | Friends |
---|---|
Cabbage | Beets, celery, chard, lettuce, spinach, onions |
Carrots | Beans, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, tomatoes |
Corn | Climbing beans, cucumber, marjoram, peas, pumpkins, squash, sunflowers, zucchini |
Onions | Cabbage, carrots, chard, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes |
Pollinators play an important role in keeping your garden healthy and blooming, too. Interested in promoting pollinator populations for bats, butterflies and bees? You can plant a pollinator-friendly garden by following the three P's: Plan, Plant and Provide.
What vegetables Cannot be planted together? ›- Beans and Onions.
- Tomatoes and Corn.
- Potatoes and Sunflowers.
- Asparagus and Garlic.
- Celery and Carrots.
- Eggplant and Fennel.
- Cucumber and Rosemary.
- Lettuce and Garlic.
- Radishes. Sowing to harvest: 25 days. Radishes are one of the fastest vegetables, taking just three to four weeks to reach harvest time. ...
- Salad leaves. Sowing to harvest: 21 days. ...
- Bush beans. Sowing to harvest: 60 days. ...
- Carrots. Sowing to harvest: 50 days. ...
- Spinach. Sowing to harvest: 30 days.
How do you arrange plants when planting? ›
There are two basic rules when arranging plants in the beds: 1) space the individual plants so that they touch each other when they reach their mature size, and 2) overlap the masses of plants and connect them so that they flow without space between them. Avoid gaps or large open areas between masses.
What is the simplest method of planting? ›The simplest method is planting seeds; division & stem cuttings are fast; and with layering, there are almost no failures.
What is the most important factor in selecting site for vegetable garden? ›Three points should be considered when selecting a field to produce vegetables: field topography, soil type, and water availability and quality.
What are the five stages in gardening? ›- Start Small and Sunny. One of the biggest mistakes first-time gardeners make is planning an area that's way too large to maintain. ...
- Dig In! Creating Your Garden Space. ...
- Pick Plants and Supplies. ...
- Watch 'em Grow. ...
- Harvest and Enjoy.