Homegrown: Spring Garden Planning

“No matter how long the winter, Spring is sure to follow.” -Proverb

Happy Spring! I hope you had a cozy, restful winter and are ready for your best gardening season yet. I’m thrilled to be back for a second season of the Homegrown Blog, your place for all things home gardening and cooking! Whether you’re an old pro or have never had your hands in the dirt, this is the place for you. With our crazy Midwest weather, I don’t recommend planting until after Mother’s Day. So you still have plenty of time to brainstorm and get ready. 

Where do I Start?

Deciding what to plant in your garden can be overwhelming and confusing. Maybe you’re a first time gardener or have grown the same veggies/herbs for years and want to mix it up. Regardless of your experience, it’s simple: grow what you like to eat and cook. Does a fresh summer salsa make your heart sing? Do you want to can pickles or simmer tomato sauces to last you all year long? Here are some basic garden types to get you started:

Pizza Garden: Tomatoes (Roma or cherry), bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, basil, oregano, arugula, onions, garlic

Salsa Garden: Tomatoes (Heirloom, Roma, San Marzano, etc), tomatillos, peppers (jalapeno, serrano, habanero), cilantro, onions, garlic

Salad Garden: Variety of lettuces, kale, spinach, arugula, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, herbs (parsely, oregano, etc)

Kids Garden: Pumpkins, cherry tomatoes, carrots, radishes, banana peppers, cucumbers 

*Remember to load up on herbs for a well-rounded, flavorful garden. 

Types of Garden Structures

Once you’ve decided what to plant, the next question is: where? Here are some different types of garden structures to make the most of your space and lifestyle:

Raised Beds

These are perfect if you don’t have great soil in your yard or want to have your own customized space. They can be a bit expensive to build initially, but will pay off in the long run. Since raised beds drain faster than other garden types, your growing season can start earlier in the spring. Faster drainage also means more frequent watering. Be sure to place near a water source. 

In-Ground Beds

These are the simplest and cheapest to set up since there is nothing to build, but require a decent amount of space with good soil to start. They retain moisture longer than raised beds so you won’t need to water as often. In-ground beds are also more prone to weeds and pests. 

Container Gardens

Just as it sounds, you plant your veggies/herbs in pots or buckets rather than in the ground. This is a perfect option for those with little space. It also takes less time to maintain, since your containers are less prone to weeds and hold water longer than the ground. You can also move your containers as needed to adjust sunlight or protect from harsh storms.

Vertical Gardens

This is a great option for urban gardening and those who have minimal to no space. Ideal for patio or balcony gardens. You can find a variety of shapes and sizes online and hang on any outdoor wall. There are also freestanding vertical garden planters if hanging doesn’t work for your space. Last year I experimented with a vertical herb garden and really liked it. Bonus: these double as patio decor!

Have fun and create whatever you want. Adjust throughout the season as needed. You don’t have to limit yourself to one type of garden. Want to do some raised beds and grow your herbs in containers by the kitchen or grill? Go for it!

Learn From Last Year

If you had a garden last year, what worked and what didn’t? Did you have too many cucumbers or need to add an extra garden bed? Take that into account when planning this season. My garden was a little crowded last year, so I’ve doubled its size. Did you bite off more than you could chew and couldn’t keep up with the maintenance? Simplify it this year and grow only your favorites. 

Tip: Get a notebook to write down your garden plans and take notes throughout the season!

Check back in a couple weeks for info and tips on getting your soil prepped and veggies planted. 

-Megan 

*New to the Homegrown Blog? I’m Megan Pierson. I work full time as a nurse and spend my free time cooking, gardening, and traveling with my husband Kevin. Click here to check out last year’s blog intro if you want to learn a little more about me and what Homegrown is all about.