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Layout of home garden


Garden Layout Ideas | The Old Farmer's Almanac

Here are over 20 FREE garden plans for you to look at and take inspiration from—including backyard gardens, square-foot gardens, raised bed gardens, kitchen gardens, flower gardens, dry gardens, and more!

Nothing beats having great examples of garden layouts.

I. Square-Foot Gardening Layouts

Square-foot gardening (SFG) makes efficient use of space spaces.  Normally, an SFG garden is made of multiple 4 x 4 foot “boxes” (deeply-raised beds) that can be densely planted for multiple harvests. A lattice is laid across the top to clearly separate each square foot. By getting rid of traditional rows, you weed less, too. SFG is an especially helpful method for beginner gardeners.

See free square-foot garden layouts—plus, beautiful garden photos!

II. Backyard Garden Layouts

A backyard often has many family demands placed upon it. It may be a place to relax and unwind, a space for children and/or pets to play, and an area for growing as well as fruits,vegetables and flowers – all at the same time! Backyard gardens can be grown in traditional in-ground rows, raised garden beds or a mixture of both.   Because of the multi-use requirement for the garden, it’s worth considering how plants can be protected from trampling, stray footballs, boisterous dogs and so on!

See free backyard garden layouts—plus, beautiful garden photos!

III. Raised Bed Garden Layouts

Raised beds are often framed with wood, bricks or other materials, then filled with mixture of high-quality potting soil, compost and/or leaf mold. They drain well and are excellent for otherwise difficult areas such as stony, compacted, contaminated, very wet, or nutrient-poor soils. Raised beds are also useful for gardeners with limited mobility as they reduce the need to bend and can even be built on raised platforms for wheelchair access.

See free layouts for raised bed gardens—plus, beautiful garden photos!

IV. Kitchen Garden Layouts (Potager)

Many fresh herbs and vegetables taste much better when they’re freshly harvested and what could be more convenient than having them just outside the back door?What gives the kitchen garden its charm and appeal is the blend of vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers that are grown together like a living tapestry. Kitchen gardens are planted and replanted throughout the season for a continuous supply of fresh food for the kitchen.

See free kitchen garden layouts—plus, beautiful garden photos!

V. Homestead Garden

A homestead garden is usually larger than a typical backyard garden and is grown as either a self–sufficient lifestyle choice or a market garden where excess produce can be swapped, bartered or sold. While homestead gardens may have some raised beds nearer to the house, most crops are grown in traditional in-ground rows. Homestead gardeners may keep a few chickens or bees within the garden too.

See plot plans for three homestead gardens—plus, beautiful garden photos!

VI. Small Gardens

If your garden is small it’s important to make the best use of the space you have with clever planting techniques and the right crops. Prioritize crops by choosing to grow only those that you really enjoy eating or which are expensive to buy.

See four small garden plans—plus, beautiful garden photos!

VII. Dry Gardens or Drought-Resistant Gardens

Gardening can be challenging when water is at a premium, but there are many ways for resourceful gardeners to grow gardens that flourish even when water is scarce. 

Raised garden beds, irrigation, companion planting, mulching, and water-efficient crops are all important for gardening in dry climates.

See free layouts for gardens in dry climates—plus, beautiful garden photos!

VIII. Flower Garden

Flower gardens may be grown for cut flowers for use indoors, or simply for the enjoyment and relaxation gained from growing and tending the plants. Flowers also provide food and habitat for beneficial insects, and can help improve pollination of fruit and vegetable crops.

See free flower garden plans—plus, beautiful garden photos!

IX. Companion Planting Garden

Companion planting is the practice of growing together plants for a beneficial effect such as protection from pests. Larger vegetables may also be used to protect smaller plants and seedlings from harsh winds or as a climbing support, while sprawling crops such as squashes can be used to suppress weeds around tall crops like corn.

See free garden plan layouts using companion planting techniques.

X. Partial-Shade Gardens

While most vegetables are sun-lovers, there are a handful which do tolerate some shade. Not all of us have a sunny spot, but we can still have fresh greens and other garden goodies.

See our list of shade-tolerant vegetables plus sample garden plans located in partially shady spots. 

See free layouts for partial shade gardens.

Discover Hundreds More Free Vegetable Plan Layouts

We have highlighted sample plans here, however, you can now find over 800 garden plans using our Almanac Garden Planner tool—curated over 10 years!

Free Online Gardening Guides

We’ve gathered all of our best beginner gardening guides into a step-by-step series designed to help you learn how to garden! Visit our complete Gardening for Everyone hub, where you’ll find a series of guides—all free! From selecting the right gardening spot to choosing the best vegetables to grow, our Almanac gardening experts are excited to teach gardening to everyone—whether it’s your 1st or 40th garden.

20 Free Garden Design Ideas and Plans

Starting a garden from scratch may seem daunting for a novice! But we've got you covered with tons of great ideas and free garden plans for every type of yard, whether it's big and sprawling or teeny-tiny. For starters, look at the area you want to plant: Does it get full sun, which is 6 or more hours per day? Or maybe it gets only part sun, which is about half that, or full shade. Watch that space for a few days to get a sense of what's happening at what time of day. Think about seasonal changes, too. For example, an area that's full shade in summer may be full sun in spring. That will dictate what plants will likely thrive in that area. It's essential to read plant tags carefully and make sure a perennial, shrub or tree can survive winters in your USDA Hardiness Zone (find yours here).

It's also important to be patient because gardens aren't built overnight. They evolve through the years as you learn more about the plants you love. And whether you're an experienced gardener or a complete newbie, Mother Nature will continue to throw you some unexpected twists and turns along the way.

The bottom line is you're never done learning about plants and your garden. So, embrace the challenges, enjoy the unexpected surprises, and read on to discover plenty of great garden plants and layout ideas for your own backyard oasis.

1

Patio Garden Bed

ChiyacatGetty Images

If you're constructing a new patio, create a planting bed as part of the patio to define the space and make it feel more like an outdoor room.

Find best patio plants.

2

Ultimate Kitchen Garden

Illustration by Michael A. Hill

Say hello to the potager of our dreams, designed by renowned gardener Jon Carloftis. Overflowing with amazing edible plants handpicked by some of the nation's best chefs, this brings new meaning to farm-to-table dining because it's your own backyard!

Get the garden plan.

3

Perennial Garden

© Frédéric CollinGetty Images

Why plant new flowers every year? By incorporating perennials, which return for many years, you'll be able to build a garden that will need little care from you to bloom.

Find the best perennial plants.

4

A Glorious Kitchen-Garden Plan

Illustration by Michael A. Hill

When faced with Linda Lipsett's 30-by-90-foot plot, garden designer Chris Fischer got crafty with organization. He denoted three prominent portions—a large middle area surrounded by two smaller sections—and adorned each with raised beds for better soil quality control.

Get the garden plan.

5

Vertical Garden

JillLangGetty Images

Sometimes the only way to grow is up! Vining plants add interest and also can provide screening and privacy on a deck or patio. Vines in pots work just as well as those planted in beds.

Find the best flowering vines.

6

Foliage-Filled Garden

Illustration by Allison Langton

Sean Conway's got nothing against flowers, but it's the garden designer's way with foliage that makes his Rhode Island spread sing.

Get the garden plan.

7

Herb Garden

Westend61Getty Images

Even if your space is limited, you can grow herbs right outside your door. Assemble a collection of pots and plant the herbs that you use most often, as well as some varieties that are less familiar to you (you may discover a new fave!). Plant both annual and perennial herbs for a good mix year after year.

Find the best perennial herbs.

8

Crevice Garden

Illustration by Michelle Buchard

How about perking up that drab Zone 5 to 8 patio or terrace with a sundial and some compact flowering plants? All you have to do is remove a few of the pavers and plant a few sprawling perennials.

Get the garden plan.

9

Rose Garden

Getty

Every garden needs roses! And they're not as fussy as you might suspect. New shrub types are hardy and more disease-resistant so they're perfect even for beginners.

Get the garden plan.

10

Water Garden

Illustration by Michelle Buchard

This small water feature is suitable for a Zone 6 to 9 residential garden in the city or suburbs, where it could be placed on a deck, terrace, or patio.

Get the garden plan.

11

Bark Appeal Garden

Getty

Does your garden lack color during the leafless season? Trees and shrubs with interesting or peeling bark make a great addition to your landscape.

Get the garden plan.

12

Cottage Garden

Illustration by Michelle Buchard

This Zone 5 to 8 garden integrates charming old-time annuals and perennials, herbs, and flowering shrubs to produce a simple, informal display that provides plenty of flowers for cutting.

Get the garden plan.

13

Shade Garden

ChiyacatGetty Images

14

Fall Cutting Garden

Illustration by Michelle Buchard

Nothing dresses up a home like fresh flowers, and growing them yourself is a fun bonus. This small raised-bed cutting garden will provide cut flowers for weeks and weeks.

Get the garden plan.

15

Spring Bulb Garden

Rosemary CalvertGetty Images

Nothing's more refreshing after a long, dark winter than greeting spring with bright and cheery flowering bulbs. Plant them in fall for a show next spring. You also can plant in pots if you have limited space.

Find the best spring bulbs.

16

Fall Decorating Garden

Illustration by Michelle Buchard

Tired of having to buy all the items you need to craft natural seasonal decorations? Why not take some space in your garden and grow your own autumn plantings?

Get the garden plan.

17

Fragrant Garden

wilatlak villetteGetty Images

A garden should enchant you on many different levels. Engage all your senses by planting a variety of fragrant flowers and shrubs.

Find the best fragrant flowers.

18

Porch Border Garden

Getty

Forget about boring foundation plantings. Dress up your front yard with a mixed border of annuals, perennials and shrubs.

Get the garden plan.

19

Raised Planter Garden

Getty

Limited space or poor soil? A raised bed solves the problem, and you can grow ornamentals or edibles in these containers.

Get the garden plan.

20

Round Evergreens

Getty Images

Round evergreens are so much fun! They add character and whimsy to any garden and are an essential spot of year-round color.

See more evergreen shrubs.

Erin Cavoto Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.

Arricca Elin SanSone Arricca SanSone writes for CountryLiving.com, WomansDay.com, Family Circle, MarthaStewart.com, Cooking Light, Parents.com, and many others.

Layout of a fruit and berry garden. Photo - Botanichka

Planning a fruit and berry garden is a responsible task, the solution of which will depend on the future supply of the family with tasty and varied fruits and berries. Therefore, when planning a site, you need (as the people say) to hurry slowly.

Garden planning. © woodcroft orchard

Preparatory work

When planning the land, it is necessary to allocate an open sunny place for the garden with a high groundwater table. It is impossible to lay a garden in a lowland, where cold streams of air and water will roll down during the spring flood. After an external examination of the land allocated for the garden, determine and write down in your diary a list of preparatory work.

Zoning when planning orchards and berries

On a separate sheet of the garden diary, draw the layout of the garden. The garden can be located in front of the house, to the side or behind, but the trees and bushes should be located from north to south for better illumination and have three zones. They can be located one after another or divided into three separate sections located at different ends of the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe cottage.

On the pages of the garden diary, write down the names and a brief description of fruit and berry crops, and in the diagram indicate their location on the plot area under the numbers.

Plan the future garden so that the plants do not interfere with each other and do not block the light. © pickleshlee

Berry Layout

When laying out the berry on the diagram, immediately consider the nature of the plants. So, blackcurrant grows quietly surrounded by other neighbors, but sea buckthorn and viburnum are rather quarrelsome with neighbors. Therefore, they are planted separately. Sea buckthorn can be used as a green hedge, and viburnum, hawthorn - in a landscape decoration of a recreation area. In solitary plantings of mowed lawns, they look great.

Some owners believe that berry growers are generally best placed along the boundaries of the plot. In this case, part of the land is released for other crops or zones (recreation, sports, etc.). Such planning is suitable if the site is not fenced with a green hedge or the berry bushes themselves can serve this purpose with their features (thorny, dense, etc.).

Planting density of berries is very important. It is a natural regulator of the optimal development of plants, their resistance to diseases and the formation of crops.

The number of certain berry bushes is very important. Think over and on the diagram plan in advance the quantity of each type and variety so that you can provide your family with fresh berries and make preparations for the winter. For a family of 4-5 people, there will be enough 20 raspberry bushes, 3-4 bushes of all types of currants and gooseberries, ioshta, shadberry and honeysuckle. Leave some room for exotic newcomers to come into your line of sight over time. A properly planned berry tree grows normally and bears fruit within 7-12 years, and then gradually rejuvenates or the bushes are transferred to another place.

Planting berry bushes. © Thomas Generazio

Layout of the orchard

On the next free page of the garden diary, draw a layout of fruit crops. Conditionally allocate 4 square meters for each crop. m of total area under one tree. Do not thicken the landings. Trees will grow and begin to interfere, and even oppress each other. Planting pits should be in a row at a distance of 4.0-4.5 m. Leave aisles at least 2.5-3.0 m. Pay attention to the types of crops. So, today most farms are switching to columnar forms of apple and pear trees - the main horticultural crops in the dacha economy. In terms of habit, these species are much smaller, and the yield is almost equal to tall crops. Columnar forms are easier to care for, they are resistant to disease, less damaged by frost.

For an average family, 1-2 trees of each type are enough. Early, middle and late varieties should be present in the garden in order to have fresh fruits throughout the warm season and also prepare processed ones for the winter. From garden crops, it is enough to have 2 cherries (early and late). Instead of a medium cherry, plant 2 cherries. They form a crop after an early sweet cherry. You need 1 quince (later you can graft another species or other varieties on it), 2-3 plums, including one marabelle.

1-2 apricots of frost-resistant varieties are enough. 2-3 apple trees, which over time through grafting can be turned into 6-8 varieties of different ripening periods. Don't forget to leave room for exotics. Be sure to plant the nuts separately. Almost nothing grows under the crown of this crop. If you like hazel, set aside the first row for it so that taller trees do not deprive it of the sun with their shade. 11-12 fruit trees will eventually grow into 18-20 varieties of all kinds.

In order for the garden to serve for a long time and not get sick, it is necessary to use zoned varieties. They are more resistant to diseases, pests, weather changes, bear fruit longer. You can get acquainted with varieties and varieties for your region, up to the district, and their characteristics in catalogs and other literature. When buying seedlings, be sure to contact the experts. Remember! A garden planted with low-quality seedlings will add work and care, but will not please you with the harvest and quality of the fruits.

General approaches to planting a garden

Plant a garden in the fall, that is, dig planting holes according to your scheme, prepare near each one the fertilizer mixture that is necessary for the condition of the soil.

Preparing the planting hole

In autumn, you will only be able to prepare a planting hole of approximate dimensions, as the final version will be determined by the size of the root system, depending on the age of the purchased seedling. The preliminary size of the planting pit is approximately 60x60 for 2-year-old seedlings, for 3-year-olds it can be increased to 70x80 cm and finalized when planting the seedling in the pit.

Preparing the soil mixture

Near each hole, mix the top layer of soil with humus, peat. In the spring, before planting a seedling, add a glass of wood ash and slaked lime and 200 g of nitrophoska to this mixture. Mix well.

Saplings of fruit trees and berry bushes are best purchased from trusted manufacturers. © mainetoday

Purchase and preparation of seedlings

Planting of seedlings is best done in spring. During the growing season, the seedlings will get stronger, the root system will strengthen. A young tree adapts to a new location during the warm spring-summer-autumn period.

Do not rush to buy seedlings from individual unfamiliar sellers, especially along the roads leading to the dacha. It is better to purchase seedlings in farms that grow them or in nurseries. There is more confidence here that you will acquire the desired zoned variety of the garden or berry crop you need.

Carefully inspect the selected seedling. If you find dried roots, a crooked stem, cracks in the bark or drops of gum, refuse to buy. Remember! No assurances from the seller will return the lost time.

Rules for planting seedlings

Soak seedlings in rootstock or other growth stimulant 1-2 days before planting. Prepare a container of clay talker with the addition of root, planriz or phytosporin. Other biofungicides suitable for tank mixes may be used.

Approximately 2-3 weeks before planting seedlings, pour some of the soil mixture into the hole with a cone. During this week, the cone will settle, and the planted seedling will be correctly placed in the pit. Dip the prepared seedling into a mash, insert it into the pit, straightening the root along the cone so that there are no creases upwards, and fill 2/3 of the pit with soil mixture. Fill the bucket with water. After soaking, pour in the rest of the potting mix or soil. Drive in a stake and secure the seedling with a figure eight to the support. A loose seedling, swaying under the gusts of wind, will break off the small roots that provide the plant with the soil.

Important details of planting

When planting, be sure to check the correct depth of the root collar. When it is deepened, the tree can dry out for no reason in 5-10 years (especially on heavy soils). On light sandy loamy soils (especially in the south), it is better to deepen the root collar somewhat into the soil (8-10 cm), "hiding" it from the upper drying layer. In seedlings that form adventitious roots or shoots (figs, currants, plums, apple trees), deepening does not interfere with the normal development of the tree. Seedlings of these crops quickly rebuild the root system, often on insufficiently moist soils.

In self-rooted seedlings, the root collar should be at the level of the planting hole or 2-3 cm higher (no more). In grafted seedlings, the grafting site is located 4-8 cm above the root collar. Beginning gardeners often confuse the root neck and graft and deepen the planting to the grafting site. In this case, the root neck is deeply buried in the soil and the tree dies early.

If you correctly identified the root collar and planted the seedling so that it rises 4-5 cm above the soil, then the tree is planted correctly. We compact the soil around the planting. At a distance from the trunk with a radius of 30-50 cm, we make a roller 5-7 cm high and pour 2-3 more buckets of water. Together with the soaking water, the seedling will also be pulled into the soil. Make sure that the root collar remains 2-3 cm above the soil. If necessary, top up the soil after watering and mulch with a small layer of fine mulch (peat or humus, sawdust). If live seedlings are purchased, the planting is done correctly, in 2-3 weeks your garden will turn green with the first young leaves.

Apple trees on trellises. © starkbros

How to determine the root neck

  1. In a young seedling, wipe the lower part of the trunk and the beginning of the root well with a wet cloth. The root collar is defined as a transition from greenish (trunk) to light brown (root zone).
  2. In older seedlings (3-4 years old), we wipe the lower part of the trunk with a wet cloth and, after the wet zone has dried, carefully scrape off the bark with a knife at the site of the inconspicuous expansion of the trunk into the root. If at the site of expansion the scraped color of the young subcortical layer is green, then this is the stem, and if it is yellowish, then the root zone. The place of transition of one color to another is the root collar.
  3. In some seedlings, the place where the upper lateral roots emerge from the trunk is clearly visible. This is the root collar. The place of origin of the roots should remain above the level of the landing pit.

What should not be done when planting seedlings

What should be done when planting seedlings

How to plan a home garden / Tips for gardeners and gardeners

You need to think carefully before you start designing even the smallest plot. The functional distribution of its area depends on its size, the nature of the soil and its location in relation to the sun and the prevailing winds.

When considering the design, it’s a good idea to draw a plan on a piece of paper with existing buildings, trees, shrubs, then draw a road network, sites, etc. Places for planting flowers, trees, shrubs are marked on the outlined flower beds. Flower beds in gardens and parks can be created in a geometric (regular) or landscape (landscape) style.

Geometric style provides that all elements - paths, flower arrangements, playgrounds and lawns - are planned symmetrically with respect to the main axis of the composition. There is no symmetry in the landscape layout - it is more suitable for the natural landscape. In some cases, both styles can be combined in the layout of an ornamental garden.

Depending on the location of the main building (house), there are three options for planning a home garden:

  1. , flowers.
  2. When the building is located in the depth of the site, in most cases, the entire space in front of the house is reserved for lawns and flower arrangements.
  3. When the building is in the center of the plot, a flower garden is laid out in front of it, and vegetables and fruit trees are planted behind it.

    And they bring even more joy to a person when he himself grows them in the yard of his house, in the country house or on the windowsill at home.

    Naturally, good results in breeding flowers can be achieved not only by knowing their great variety, but also by their requirements for growing conditions, reproduction characteristics, and so on.

    The site provides advice that will help amateur flower growers to better and in more detail learn about various flower crops, their features and methods of growing, expand their knowledge on the fight against plant diseases and pests and others.

    The most important types of flowers, methods of their reproduction, their requirements, as well as the purpose of using one or another type (for planting in the garden, for indoor gardening, for decorating bouquets, and so on) are considered.

    Despite the fact that floriculture is a huge matter, we have tried to give amateur florists in an accessible form what can be useful in their work.

    Watercolors by Gordon Beningfield

    English artist Gordon Beningfield (1936 - 1998) was born in London. He began his career at the age of 15 as a church painter. During the Second World War, the family moved to the countryside - Redbourn, Hertfordshire, where Gordon lived for the rest of his life.

    Learn more