After warming up to the idea of beginning your first yard garden, you need to come up with a design. To do this, take a walk around your backyard – what are your space constraints? Where are the sunniest spots? Where are the shadiest spots? Different plants like varying amounts of sunlight, so you’ll want to know where the best places are to plant various crops. It is helpful to draw these ideas out on paper. That way, you can refer to your notes as you select what to plant.
You’ll want a design that is easy to move around in, giving you access to all of your seedlings. The Farmer’s Almanac has some suggestions.
RAISED BEDS
Raised beds are an important part of garden design. If you live in an area with less-than-idea soil - like a backyard where the soil is very compacted - raised beds create a better environment for growing plants. You can greatly enrich the quality of the soil with compost and manure, and the water drainage system will be better because the soil will be more aerated (fluffier, allow the oxygen to move throughout the soil). Raised beds might also be easier for you to access as they are higher off the ground. Raised beds can either be fenced in with wood, or can be simple mounds of soil.
For guides to building raised beds see:
National Gardening Association
BORDERS AND PERIMETERS
One important element to garden design is a establishing a perimeter. You can do that by planting beneficial border plants, or by erecting a fence. The perimeter can be marked simply with wood stakes and twine, or you can build a fence out of chicken wire. Fences are helpful in keeping unwanted animals out of your garden and away from your precious edibles.
For information on beneficial border plants and on keeping pests out see:
Organic Gardening: Beneficial Borders
Organic Gardening: Critter Control
WATER
One last design element includes taking note of where your water will come from. Do you have access to a spigot or hose? Are you interested in setting up a rainwater-catchment system?
Mother Earth News: Rain Barrel Tips
Once you’ve designed your yard garden (and be warned it may take some time) you can Decide What to Plant
