If you want to get the most out of your small raised garden bed, it is smart to create a plan before deciding on exactly what to plant in your space.
When you have limited space to work with, you want to ensure you are optimizing the entire space for all of your wants and needs when it comes to your garden.
Small raised garden beds are perfect for those wanting to start a garden in a more controlled environment. They are ideal for renters, apartments, or small yards.
Whether you want a small raised bed in your backyard or want to makeover your patio into a self-sufficient garden space, creating a plan will give you the most out of your garden.
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1. Assess your space
When starting to plan out your garden space, there are many things to consider and take into account. Before beginning, it is important to know everything you have to work within your space.
Measure your garden bed to ensure your plants have the proper spacing. Take into account the amount of sunlight that your garden bed will receive as well as protection from strong winds.
2. The purpose of your garden
Are you looking to create a kitchen garden full of vegetables and herbs for your cooking and baking? Or, do you want to plant a variety of flowers and plants for teas or tinctures?
There are many different reasons you may want to start your garden bed, each one will come with many different additional options for the best results for your specific preferences.
The purpose of your small garden will help you to decide which plants will be best to put together.
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3. Plant selection
Once you have decided on why you will be planting your garden, you can decide on which plants you want to add.
Keep in mind, the depth and total size of your garden bed to pick plants that can thrive in this location.
If you are choosing to create a vegetable garden, choose your favorite vegetables you buy often! You can even try regrowing from your kitchen scraps. Each individual plant will have different needs, look into the requirements of each plant when it comes to sunlight, water, and fertilizer.
Tomatoes and lettuce are great beginner-friendly staples to add to your garden. Paired with specific herbs to help with insects and pests can benefit these plants and also give you fresh herbs for your kitchen!
4. Companion Planting
When putting many different plants in a small space, it is important to know how they will work with, or against, each other.
Taking advantage of companion planting can be very beneficial to your overall yield from your chosen plants.
Lavender, basil, rosemary, and peppermint are just a few popular garden plants and regularly used household herbs that can help deter pests and insects from other plants in your garden.
Plant basil near tomatoes to improve their flavor and repel pests like aphids and mosquitoes.
Marigolds are known for their strong scent, which deters many garden pests like nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies. Plant them near tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas.
Lavender attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies while repelling pests such as moths, fleas, and mosquitoes. Plant it near roses, cabbage, and fruit trees.
Garlic is effective at repelling aphids, spider mites, and cabbage loopers. Plant it near roses, tomatoes, and cabbage family plants.
Peppermint repels ants, aphids, and cabbage moths. However, it’s invasive, so it’s best planted in containers near susceptible plants.
Keep in mind that some herbs and other garden plants can be invasive. Planting these in your garden bed can cause them to take over. Oregano and mint can quickly spread into surrounding areas.
5. Sketch your layout
Now that you know exactly what you have to work within your garden bed, the purpose of the plants you wish to choose, and exactly what plants are best fitted for your needs and conditions it’s time to start planning the layout!
Sketch out your garden space, or download a free plan and map out exactly how you want your plants in the space. This will allow for easy and fast revisions if you choose to make a change after seeing how it will look in your garden.
Consider how the different plants will grow around each other, and the overall space each plant will need to thrive. Be sure to avoid overcrowding, each plant will have different needs so it is important to keep them all in mind when deciding where to place your plants in your garden.
6. ready, set, grow!
With your layout plan in place, you can finally begin planting your garden. Whether you started your seeds, are choosing to direct sow, or are buying plants to replant in your garden bed, it’s time to arrange them all in your garden according to your layout design.
Ensure proper spacing and tweak your plans as needed. Consider how different plants will grow, If they will climb and need support, or are root vegetables that will need a further depth to thrive.
7. Enjoy
Sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of your newly created garden bed.
Whether you’re admiring a colorful display of flowers, harvesting fresh produce from your vegetable patch, or simply soaking in the tranquility of nature, your garden is sure to bring joy and fulfillment for years to come.
Fresh teas, a salad garden, or a beautiful arrangement of wildflowers, there are so many ways to create a beautiful functional garden.
Designing a garden bed layout is a rewarding process that allows you to express your creativity and connect with the natural world. By following these steps and putting thoughtful planning into your garden design, you can create a space that reflects your personality, enhances your surroundings, and brings fresh natural produce into your home.
