As long as you only want to plant a small bed or two, there really is no need for great planning. But as soon as the existing area is to be used effectively by means of pre- and post-culture, crop rotation and mixed cultures, a suitable planting plan must be drawn up.
A vegetable garden needs to be well planned
What goes best where?
When growing fruit and vegetables, it is important to “get as much as possible out of the available space”. This requires precise planning, which, among other things, takes into account the appropriate planting for the existing soil conditions, but also the best possible "timing" over the course of the year.
Choice of species and varieties
This includes, for example, keeping an eye on the location when selecting the species and varieties. Some plants need full sun and dry soil to thrive, while others do better in partial shade and humus-rich soil. In addition, different varieties of a species differ, and not only in taste and appearance. With a number of vegetables, for example, there are varieties that are only suitable for certain growing periods.
sowing and planting dates
It is essential that you adhere to the periods of time indicated on the seed packets for sowing, because earlier or later sowing or planting affects both the growth of the plants and later the yield. Only if you want to grow some vegetables, such as tomatoes, can you do this either in late winter on the windowsill or in early spring under glass or foil. However, preferring is not suitable for all vegetables.
Think of the later harvest quantities!
In addition to when and where, how much is also relevant when planting: so that you are not disappointed with the small yields in summer, you need appropriate plantings. The following applies here:
- Vegetables such as cabbages, onions, radishes, etc. can be estimated quite well whether the harvest quantity to be expected. Here you can count on one vegetable per plant and plan the planting quantities accordingly.
- This is more difficult with fruit vegetables such as zucchini or many herbs: even one to three plants can trigger a veritable flood.
- Other vegetables such as potatoes, beans or spinach, on the other hand, require a large number of plants (and accordingly a large area under cultivation) to produce more than just a modest meal.
Pre- and post-culture, subsequent seeds
Species with a short cultivation period can be used well to use the area before or after the cultivation of a main crop. However, you can also overseed these species (which include, for example, lettuce, spinach, radishes, dill and chervil) every two to four weeks and enjoy them fresh all year round.
Crop rotation and rotation
However, for pre- and post-culture, pay close attention to what is successively grown in the same spot. Some plants do not harmonize with each other at all, while others complement each other perfectly. The crop rotation has a decisive influence on the health and vitality of the plants. The same applies to the mixed culture.
tips
Perennial vegetables such as asparagus or rhubarb as well as perennial herbs and strawberries save some planning considerations at least for a few years. Keep in mind, however, that many of these species are prone to proliferation and therefore need to be kept under control at all times.