Vegetable Garden Layout Guide
Planning a vegetable garden requires consideration of available garden space so each vegetable is placed in a location that provides the best combination of sun exposure and space to grow. Planning a garden layout in advance can make your garden more effective. Does this Spark an idea?
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Spacing
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Vegetables require adequate space to fully mature above and below soil level and the spacing requirements are generally related to plant size. Small vegetables, such as green onions and radishes, should be spaced about three inches apart. Leafy greens, including chard, spinach and lettuce, need four to nine inches between plants, depending on varieties. Tomatoes need about two feet of space all around. Larger, sprawling plants, such as zucchini, squash and melons need as much as three to four feet between plants unless they are trellised.
Options
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Rows and hills are common choices for garden layouts. Vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage are well-suited for row planting. Potatoes and pole beans may be planted in hills where several plants can share the same root space or support. Vertical gardening is an option for vine vegetables and fruits, such as cucumbers and melons, which are able to climb trellises.
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Location
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A south-facing garden will receive the most sunlight, provided that no trees or walls are nearby to create shade. Plan garden rows that run east to west and plant taller crops, such as sunflowers and corn, on the north side of the garden. This arrangement will prevent tall vegetables from shading smaller ones until afternoon.
Considerations
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Companion planting is the practice of purposely placing vegetables with other plants that increase their soil nutrients and resistance to pests. Tomatoes and basil make good neighbors, as basil deters several tomato pests and allows tomatoes to grow better. Marigold is another companion pest deterrent for a variety of vegetables.
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References
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