It’s easy to get stuck trying to decide the size of your first garden – there are endless possibilities! Narrow down your options by finding the answers to these three important questions:
- Where will your garden grow?
- What do you want to plant?
- Do your kids want to garden, too?
Why It’s Important to Think Ahead
If you don’t make a game plan for the size of your garden, it’s likely that you’re going to run into a few problems. It’s so easy to underestimate the mature sizes of plants – if the seed package says the plant needs to be 18’’ away from another plant of the same type, it’s best if it’s planted 18’’ away. Don’t feel like you need to fill in every square inch of the garden when plants are small (ask me how I know!) Mature plants need air flow and space to thrive and it’s much easier to harvest with a little bit of extra space.
It’s also very easy to underestimate the time and effort it takes to care for a garden. Gardening is a commitment, so don’t bite off more than you can chew. It’s okay to start small, as this allows you to get your hands dirty, figure out what works for you, and to get to know the climate patterns in your growing zone. Remember, no matter how big it is, every garden that is planted improves the space by leaps and bounds. Not only by drawing in wildlife, but by becoming a place where you can find peace and restoration.
And lastly, if you’re planting something, I can almost guarantee that your children will want to grow something special, too. Let them! Ask them what they’d like to grow. If they’re too little to answer that question, show them a seed catalog or get some seeds. Talk to them about what you’re going to do with them and watch their excitement grow.
So you need space, the kids need some space… but how much space are we talking?
Where Will Your Garden Grow?
Where are you going to put your garden? Plants grown specifically for food production need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Since plants need light for photosynthesis, your vegetable garden’s location is vital to your success. To find the best spot, make a sun map.
- Grab a piece of graph paper, a pencil, and some colored pencils. Sketch your map as close to scale as you can get it and be sure to include anything that might cast a shadow (buildings, trees, fences, etc.)
- In the northern hemisphere, prepare to do sun mapping in the early spring to see where the shadows fall on your property. The ideal time for sun mapping would be June 21 (the summer solstice, when the sun is highest in the sky) but that is after the recommended planting time in many places. On a sunny day in the early spring, sketch on your map the shadows as they move across your property. Step outside to do observe the changes at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
- Compare the changes on your map throughout the day to determine which part of your property receives the most sunlight. That spot is the ideal placement for your garden.
If you’re growing flowers, making a sun map would still be beneficial. Think about where you’d like to add beauty and figure out what types of flowers will work in areas with full sun, part sun, or shade.
What Do You Want to Grow?
Different plants are going to need different amounts of space. For example, tomatoes need less space than squash, and radishes need less space than cucumbers. The size of your garden depends completely on what you want to grow. So, choose some plants and research their size at maturity and the spacing requirements. You can find this information on either the back of the seed packet, the plastic insert in the young plant’s container, or on a seed supplier’s website.
How much time do you have for maintaining the garden? You should plan on spending about 10 minutes each day in the garden, making sure the weeds don’t get completely out of control. Of course, there are times when even 10 minutes isn’t possible. The point is to make taking care of your garden a priority.
Grab a few pieces of graph paper (you can download graph paper for free on our website, the link is in the description) and make a few sketches. The first sketch you’re going to make is your dream garden – the one you that dominates your Pinterest boards. How much space will it require? Do you have the capacity and determination to build it (and care for it) this year?
If you don’t… make another sketch and be more realistic. Gardening is a long game – and you do not have to reach for perfection on year one. Next year you might want to change the entire garden anyway, depending on how well your chosen plants grow in your space.
Gardening with Your Kids
Children belong in gardens. The discoveries a child can find in a garden has the potential to change their entire childhood. What’s the best way to get them involved? For starters, let them choose what they’d like to grow and then let them take responsibility for caring for those plants. They can have their own containers or a space in the main garden to fill with their favorite veggies or plants that bloom their favorite colors.
Now, this is something I learned in time with my oldest – who from the moment she could speak the words, has always asked, “Can I do it?” My friends, just let them. Let them put seeds in. Let them play in the dirt. Teach them how to water and then let them do it. Let them catch butterflies and watch bugs for longer than you want to be outside. Teach them the best time to pick flowers or vegetables and let them harvest. Gardening is more than just growing food and flowers, it’s about experiencing God’s creation. I know, as adults, we are usually in a rush to get on to the next thing, but the garden is the best place to stop and smell the roses (literally, you know, if you have roses.)
Growing Together: Vegetable Gardening Guide for Young Families
Get ready to step outside with your children to create something beautiful! This comprehensive beginner’s guide will help you get your garden off to a great start.
So, how big should your garden be your first year? There isn’t a right answer! With a bit of planning and decision making, you’ll be well on your way to growing a uniquely designed, beautiful garden with your family.
Tell me about your garden space in the comments below! I’d love to hear your plans.
