When you decide to plant a garden, you will need to decide what kind of garden you want and next what growing zone you are in so you select the types of plants that will thrive in your area. Shown in this post are the growing zone regions for the US. You can find the growing zone you are in worldwide by doing a simple search for your country.
Gardens come in all sizes and shapes, and the type of garden you choose can significantly affect the plants you can grow and the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. Here are a few different kinds of gardens to consider:
- Flower gardens: These gardens are often filled with colorful flowers and can be designed in various styles, from formal to wild and natural. Flower gardens can be as small as a few pots on a windowsill or as large as an entire yard.
- Vegetable gardens: These are designed specifically for growing vegetables and can be as small as a few pots on a patio or as large as a dedicated plot in a backyard. Vegetable gardens are a great way to grow fresh produce and save money on groceries.
- Herb gardens: Herb gardens are smaller, more specialized gardens dedicated to growing herbs. These gardens can be grown in pots, raised beds, or in the ground and are a great way to add fresh herbs to your cooking.
- Japanese gardens: Japanese gardens are inspired by the natural beauty of Japan and often feature water elements, stone pathways, and carefully pruned trees and shrubs. These gardens are known for their tranquility and beauty and can be a great way to add some Zen to your outdoor space.
- Desert gardens: Desert gardens are designed specifically for arid climates and feature plants that can thrive in dry conditions. These gardens often feature cacti, succulents, and other drought-tolerant plants.
No matter what kind of garden you choose, you must consider the amount of space and sunlight available, your climate, and the plants that will thrive in your area. With some planning and TLC, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that brings joy and beauty to your home. Notice how many of the steps to plant a garden each kind has in common.
Steps all gardens have in common
- Planning
- Determining location
- Determining size
- Choosing your plants
- Creating a layout
- Preparing your soil
- Planting and maintaining
How to Plan a Flower Garden
Planning a flower garden can be a fun and rewarding project, and with a little planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that will bloom throughout the season. Here are steps to help you plan your flower garden:
Determine the location: Choose a place for your flower garden that gets plenty of sunlight, as most flowers need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Consider the layout of your yard and the amount of sun and shade each area receives.
Determine the size: Consider the size of your yard and how much space you want to devote to your flower garden. Keep in mind that smaller gardens are easier to maintain and may be more manageable for beginner gardeners. Determine your style: Do you want a formal garden with symmetrical beds and straight lines or a more natural, informal garden with winding paths and a mix of plants? Deciding on your style will help you choose the right plants and layout for your garden.
Choose your plants: Select a mix of annuals and perennials to ensure continuous blooms throughout the growing season. Consider each plant’s size, color, and bloom time, and mix and match to create a cohesive look.
Create a layout: Use a garden design tool or sketch out a rough plan on paper to visualize the layout of your garden. Consider the size and shape of your plants, and group them based on their growing requirements.
Prepare the soil: Proper soil preparation is key to the success of any garden. Test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content, and amend it as needed. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Plant and maintain: Once your garden is planned and your soil is prepared, it’s time to start planting! Follow each plant’s care tag instructions and water regularly to keep your garden healthy and thriving. Deadhead spent blooms and remove weeds regularly to keep your garden looking its best.
How to Plan a Vegetable Garden
Growing your vegetables can be a fun and rewarding way to eat healthily, save money, and enjoy the outdoors. Here are steps to help you plan a successful vegetable garden:
Determine the location: Choose a place for your vegetable garden that gets plenty of sunlight, as most vegetables need around six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Consider the layout of your yard and the amount of sun and shade each area receives.
Determine the size: Consider the size of your yard and how much space you want to devote to your vegetable garden. Keep in mind that smaller gardens are easier to maintain and may be more manageable for beginner gardeners.
Determine your style: Do you want a formal garden with raised beds and straight rows or a more natural, informal garden with raised beds and a mix of plants? Deciding on your style will help you choose the right plants and layout for your garden.
Choose your vegetables: Select a mix of vegetables that you and your family enjoy eating, and consider the growing requirements of each plant. Some vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, need a longer growing season, while others, like lettuce and radishes, can be planted and harvested more quickly.
Create a layout: Use a garden design tool or sketch out a rough plan on paper to visualize the layout of your garden. Consider the size and shape of your plants, and group them based on their growing requirements.
Prepare the soil: Proper soil preparation is key to the success of any garden. Test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content, and amend it as needed. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Plant and maintain: Once your garden is planned and your soil is prepared, it’s time to start planting! Follow each plant’s care tag instructions and water regularly to keep your garden healthy and thriving. Deadhead spent blooms and remove weeds regularly to keep your garden looking its best.
How to Plan a Herb Garden
Growing your herbs can be fun and rewarding, adding fresh flavor to your cooking and saving money on store-bought herbs. Here are steps to help you plan a flourishing herb garden:
Determine the location: Choose a place for your herb garden that gets plenty of sunlight, as most herbs need around six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Consider the layout of your yard and the amount of sun and shade each area receives.
Determine the size: Consider the size of your yard and how much space you want to devote to your herb garden. Keep in mind that smaller gardens are easier to maintain and may be more manageable for beginner gardeners.
Determine your style: Do you want a formal herb garden with symmetrical beds and straight lines or a more natural, informal garden with winding paths and a mix of plants? Deciding on your style will help you choose the right plants and layout for your garden.
Choose your herbs: Select a mix of herbs that you enjoy using in your cooking and consider the growing requirements of each plant. Some herbs, like basil and parsley, need a longer growing season, while others, like cilantro and chives, can be planted and harvested more quickly.
Create a layout: Use a garden design tool or sketch out a rough plan on paper to visualize the layout of your garden. Consider the size and shape of your plants, and group them based on their growing requirements.
Prepare the soil: Proper soil preparation is key to the success of any garden. Test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content, and amend it as needed. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Plant and maintain: Once your garden is planned and your soil is prepared, it’s time to start planting! Follow each plant’s care tag instructions and water regularly to keep your garden healthy and thriving. Deadhead spent blooms and remove weeds regularly to keep your garden looking its best.
How to Plan a Japanese Garden
Japanese gardens are known for their serene beauty and attention to detail and can be a wonderful way to add some Zen to your outdoor space. Here are steps to help you plan a successful Japanese garden:
Determine the location: Choose a place for your Japanese garden that gets plenty of sunlight, as most plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Consider the layout of your yard and the amount of sun and shade each area receives.
Determine the size: Consider the size of your yard and how much space you want to devote to your Japanese garden. Keep in mind that smaller gardens are easier to maintain and may be more manageable for beginner gardeners.
Determine your style: Japanese gardens come in various types, including formal, Zen, and natural. Decide on the style that best fits your tastes and the layout of your yard.
Choose your plants: Select a mix of well-suited plants for your climate and fit the style of your Japanese garden. Bamboo, cherry blossom trees, and maples are popular choices for Japanese gardens.
Create a layout: Use a garden design tool or sketch out a rough plan on paper to visualize the layout of your garden. Consider the size and shape of your plants, and group them based on their growing requirements.
Prepare the soil: Proper soil preparation is key to the success of any garden. Test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content, and amend it as needed. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Plant and maintain: Once your garden is planned and your soil is prepared, it’s time to start planting! Follow each plant’s care tag instructions and water regularly to keep your garden healthy and thriving. Deadhead spent blooms and remove weeds regularly to keep your garden looking its best. Don’t forget to add traditional Japanese garden elements such as stone lanterns, water features, and a dry landscape garden.
How to Plan a Desert Garden
Desert gardens can be a beautiful and unique way to add a touch of the Southwest to your outdoor space, and they are well-suited for dry, arid climates. Here are steps to help you plan a successful desert garden:
Determine the location: Choose a place for your desert garden that gets plenty of sunlight, as most desert plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Consider the layout of your yard and the amount of sun and shade each area receives.
Determine the size: Consider the size of your yard and how much space you want to devote to your desert garden. Keep in mind that smaller gardens are easier to maintain and may be more manageable for beginner gardeners.
Determine your style: Do you want a formal desert garden with symmetrical beds and straight lines or a more natural, informal garden with winding paths and a mix of plants? Deciding on your style will help you choose the right plants and layout for your garden.
Choose your plants: Select a mix of drought-tolerant plants that are well-suited for your climate, and consider the size, color, and bloom time of each plant. Cacti, succulents, and other xeriscape plants are popular choices for desert gardens.
Create a layout: Use a garden design tool or sketch out a rough plan on paper to visualize the layout of your garden. Consider the size and shape of your plants, and group them based on their growing requirements.
Prepare the soil: Proper soil preparation is key to the success of any garden. Test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content, and amend it as needed. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Plant and maintain: Once your garden is planned and your soil is prepared, it’s time to start planting! Follow each plant’s care tag instructions and water regularly to keep your garden healthy and thriving. Deadhead spent blooms and remove weeds regularly to keep your garden looking its best.
Wrapping Up
After you decide what kind of garden you want to plant you can begin the fun part of doing the steps and enjoying the rewards you will get when you plant a garden.
