Your Garden Planning

A step-by-step guide to starting your backyard veggie patch — no green thumb required!

What’s a Garden Roadmap?

A garden roadmap is your step-by-step guide to creating a thriving veggie and herb garden - from the first spark of inspiration to your very first harvest. Whether you’re starting with a backyard bed or a few pots on the patio, this roadmap helps you plan, plant, and grow with confidence. Think of it as your planting companion - keeping you organized, inspired, and growing at your own pace.

Step 1: Assess Your Space

• Take note of sunny spots (you’ll need 6–8 hrs of sun/day).

• Measure available space — backyard, balcony, raised beds, or containers.

• Think about nearby water access and convenience.

Step 2: Choose Your Growing Style

• In-ground – Great if you’ve got space and healthy soil.

• Raised beds – Neat, manageable, and ideal for most suburban gardens.

• Containers or grow bags – Perfect for patios, decks, and small spaces.

• Vertical gardens – Awesome for herbs and tight areas.

Step 3: Pick Your Plants

Choose veggies and herbs based on:

• Your climate and season

• What you love to eat!

• How much space you have

Beginner-friendly picks: Tomatoes, lettuce, zucchini, beans, basil, parsley, thyme, chives.

Step 4: Map It Out

Before you start digging, take time to draw a simple map of your garden layout.

Sketch your garden beds or containers and decide:

• Where each plant will go

• How much space each one needs

• Which plants grow well together (companion planting)

A rough hand-drawn map works just fine — it helps you stay organized and get the most out of your space!

Step 5: Prep Your Beds

• Clear weeds and grass

• Loosen soil or fill beds/containers with compost-rich mix

• Mix in organic fertilizer or compost

Step 6: Plant & Water

• Follow seed packet or plant tag instructions

• Water gently and consistently — especially in early stages

• Label your rows or pots!

Step 7: Tend & Monitor

• Water regularly (early mornings are best)

• Mulch to keep moisture in and weeds out

• Check for pests or signs of stress

Step 8: Harvest & Replant

• Pick veggies when ripe — don’t wait too long!

• Snip herbs to encourage new growth

• Replant quick growers like radishes and lettuce every few weeks

Step 9: Reflect & Revise

After your first season, take notes:

• What thrived?

• What would you plant more (or less) of?

• How could you make it easier or more fun next time?