How to: Build Your Dream Garden

 So, you want to build your Dream Garden…

You have an idea in your head, a clipping from a magazine, or a Pinterest Board full of inspiration— but where do you go from there?

First, Identify Your Garden Goal(s): 

What do you want to get out of your garden? 

Convenient access to fresh herbs? Homemade pickles? Bouquets by the armful and a serene place to sit? Or, are you using this garden to practically reduce grocery costs for your family? 

Second, Assemble Your Wishlist:

Let’s say your Dream is to sell homemade salsa at the Farmer’s Market. What fresh ingredients can you grow in the backyard to make that dream possible?

Your wishlist might look like this:

-Roma Tomatoes

-Cilantro

-Jalapeño Peppers

-Garlic

-Onions

*Looking-up your USDA Hardiness Zone will help determine which plants thrive where you live, and you can look for varieties that grow best in that specific zone! https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/pages/map-downloads

Third, Consider the Growing Companions:

What makes a great companion plant? Couple plants together that attract pollinators or deters pests, have compatible lighting/soil requirements, and benefit from the same watering schedule. Some plants play nicely with others (like Lemon Balm), while others are notoriously bad companions. Fennel, for example, has allelopathic properties and can inhibit the growth of nearby plants = bad plant friend. 

Fourth, Decide on Location:

Location, location, location. A Cottage Garden requires different conditions from a Kitchen Garden, and depending on which type of garden you’re dreaming of, sunlight will determine where you get started!

Ex: Jalapeño peppers enjoy 8-12 hours of sun, whereas Hosta plants prefer the shade, especially in the afternoon. 

Fifth, Design a Garden Layout:

Once you know the growth habits of your plants and where to place your beds, you can decide on a Layout. For vining plants, incorporate trellises and arches in the garden. Other plants may benefit from a tomato cage or staking. Finally, decide how much room to give your plants and determine the dimensions of your beds. Keep in mind that larger plants require elbow room to grow!

If you plan to grow in-ground rather than in a raised bed, be sure to clear the space of sod, test your soil, and then amend it accordingly.

Once you’ve completed steps 1-5, all that’s left is purchasing supplies and turning that vision into a reality! Here is the link to my 2025 Spring Planting Calendar, if you’d like a quick resource to guide you through the season! https://grazeandgarden.etsy.com/