Some of us might be a bit behind in our summer garden planning (ahem, yes, that means me) but it's certainly not too late to finish that planning and get started on creating an awesome summer garden! 

So stick around for my summer garden planning checklist, plus a few tips and tricks I swear by each and every summer -- guaranteed to help you create your dream garden you can enjoy all season long.

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Before planning your summer garden, there are some basic questions you need to ask yourself: How much space do I have? What type of light will my garden receive? What kinds of plants do I really want to grow (that will flourish in my yard/garden space?) What are the watering requirements and can I meet them?

 

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE PLANNING YOUR SUMMER GARDEN

1.  How much space do I have?

In other words, are you looking at full-on, in-ground garden beds, or perhaps raised beds or pots? Obviously, it makes a difference if you're limited to a patio or deck area versus a full or side yard. 

There are numerous types of raised beds to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.  

2. What type of light will my garden receive?

The type and amount of light your garden will receive dictates the types of plants you should plant there. Does your garden area receive direct or indirect light, full sun, part sun, part shade or shade?

You'll need to match your plants to the light availability. It might seem overwhelming at first, but most plants come with recommendations as to their light requirements, which helps tremendously with planning.

3. What kinds of plants/flowers/vegetables do I love and really want to grow (that will flourish in my yard/garden space?)  

I happen to love growing tomatoes and chili peppers in the vegetable garden, and dahlias and zinnias in my flower garden. They all require full sunlight, and luckily that's what my large yard gets. 

Tomato and chili pepper garden

Coral dahlia

Fuschia ball dahlia

Coral zinnia

  Pink zinnia

 4. What are the watering requirements and can I meet them?

Different plants have different watering requirements. Some plants need frequent watering (numerous times a week) while others, like succulents for example, require much less water.

Some plants can tolerate over-watering (meaning watering from above with either a hose sprayer or, less likely, a watering can), while others benefit more from watering at ground level -- which is done best with a drip irrigation system (and if you can set it up on a timer all the better!)   

 

 

 

Some additional tips:

1. Always reference The Farmer's Almanac for your last frost date which tells you when it's safe to plant, as well as your region's plant hardiness zone to be sure your plants will thrive in your region.

2. Be prepared for pests (beetles, slugs, mites, fungus, etc.) specific to the plants you've chosen -- read up and make sure you have the recommended remedies on hand.

3. If you're starting seeds indoors it's a good idea to use grow lights and heat mats to facilitate germination.

4. Be sure to harden off your seedling outdoors gradually over time before planting them in the garden. 

5. Take note of the most favorable soil temperatures (I use this soil thermometer) for initial planting, as well as the overnight hardiness temps for each of your plants.  

6. Last but not least (and based on experience), I always say it's better to plant a bit late rather than too early!

 So are there a few serious questions that need to be answered as you plan your garden? Yes, there are! (And even more questions than I've listed, as each garden is different and requires different questions.) My hope is to get you started on the road to gardening.

And once you've answered the garden planning checklist questions, you'll have a real roadmap which will lead you on to gardening success -- whatever that means for you.  

Well, that's it for today, friends!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about my

  Last Minute Garden Planning Checklist   

and that I've inspired you in some way. 

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