Planning Your GardenMaterials from Colorado Master Gardener Jared Miera, delivered by CSU Extension Pueblo County Horticulture Coordinator Sherie Caffey

Evaluate your site

It is important to evaluate your site so that you know what advantages and pitfalls you are working with. Here are some things to consider:

• Soil characteristics

• Wet and dry spots

• Sun exposure/shade

• Wind exposure

• Current use of area

• Size of garden

• Type of garden

• Water source

In ground gardens vs. raised bed gardens

Raised beds can be made of wood, bricks, or any other non toxic material. Typically beds are 6-8 inches high, 3-6 feet wide, and 6-8 feet long.

In ground gardens are simpler and cheaper to start up and they allow for machinery to be used to prepare the soil.

• Prevents soil compaction and plant damage

from foot traffic

• Warm up more quickly and drain better so

growing season is longer

• Maintenance and weeding are minimal

• Good for areas with poor soil

• Easy access for those who have a hard time

bending.

• Allows for use of existing soil, saves money and

resources

• Financially economical

• Less start up work but more maintenance as the

year goes on

• Less permanent placement

• Dry out more slowly so less water may be

needed

• Irrigation is easier to design and modify

Plant selection

• Beginners should start with easy plants to grow

such as lettuce, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes,

spinach, or squash

• Plant things that you and the children you care

for like to eat, and maybe a couple things to

experiment with

• Avoid planting too many of the same crop

• When possible choose locally adapted seeds and

transplants

Planning Your Garden

Often times many struggles and failures in the

garden can be averted with a little

preparation.

Spend a little time in the winter thinking of

the layout and intent of the plants. This

will help lessen the stress of planting as

spring quickly returns.

The simple use of a calendar can greatly help

a gardener know when to plant and

remember when you do planted.

Four things that can help a plots potential

include; Space to be used,

Season(time) to be grown, the Plant to be

grown, Seed selection

Rodale’s Organic life seed starting plan

There are endless versions of plant starting calendars available online

Space To Be Plotted

The success of a garden increases when it is grown

in the right place.

These spaces have even durations of sunlight,

healthy soil, protection.

Choose areas that get uninterrupted sunlight, this

will help the plant grow

with less stress and improve potential yield.

Different plants thrive in different types of soil,

however, all plants enjoy healthy well worked

soil with good tilth.

Urban farming can be a challenge with animals,

children, and other potential ‘threats’ that can

do damage. Work with whatever space is

available to grow and produce.

Time You Want To Invest

Before you begin planting, decide how much time you really see yourself devoting to the garden. This helps maximize yield by focusing on the growth of plants coordinated with your schedule. The garden will receive the care it needs, as your time permits.

Knowing when you wish to harvest will help chose which plants to grow. This dictates the season in which you will follow i.e., spring, summer, fall. Sometimes it is best to be just a little early.

Knowing when you need to plant will help you have your plots prepped. Time moves quickly and its nice to have things turned, amended, and ready for planting. Don’t be caught cleaning your beds when you should all readyhave seed sown.

In our climate it is possible to grow from Marchwell into November. Just a short time to getready in the winter time. Don’t be afraid tohave some garden plot sketches to helpassist you.

The Right Plant In The Right Place

After all the work to determine the

space, and time you will invest in

the garden, proper plant

selection is crucial.

It does no good planting shade

loving varieties in full exposed

sunlight and vise versa. Choose

varieties that will lend to your

success. Help yourself.

It also doesn’t help to have really tall

plants blocking the light of all the

other plants. Utilize the garden space

to systematically plant in a way which

will promote cooperation within the

garden. The plants will work together if

you allow them to.

CSU Extension has resources for planning a garden!

extension.colostate.edu719-583-6566

caffeys@pueblocounty.us

Questions?Colorado Master Gardener Dan Bassak available for questions