Home » Misc » Vegetable garden layout ideas

Vegetable garden layout ideas


Garden Layout Ideas | The Old Farmer's Almanac

Looking for vegetable garden layout ideas? To help you out, we’ve selected 20 of what we deem the best vegetable garden layouts designed by our own customers, covering all types of common gardens—from small space to raised bed to homestead. Browse this collection of layout options for your food garden!

What’s special about these garden plans is that they are “real,” designed and executed outside in the garden itself by verified customers. We hope you find this both inspirational and useful!

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 SIX 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 3 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 3 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 6 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 3 free plans for 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 4 free plans for small garden spaces—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 free layouts for partial shade gardens.

Discover Hundreds More Free Vegetable Plan Layouts

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

20 Best Vegetable Garden Layout Ideas

Every item on this page was chosen by The Pioneer Woman team. The site may earn a commission on some products.

Grow your own leafy greens in a space of any size! 🥬

By Arricca Elin SanSone

Jon LovetteGetty Images

It takes a lot to start a vegetable garden: choosing the right vegetables to grow and buying seeds, and then there's planning the actual yard space. Of course, there's nothing like the neat and tidy rows of traditional raised garden beds, with everything lined up and planted in an orderly fashion. But, sometimes, you simply don't have the space. If you live in an apartment with a balcony, a condo, or house with a small yard, you've got to get a little more creative. Fortunately, there are vegetable garden layout ideas for any size of yard.

A few factors will help you decide the best layout plan for your vegetable garden. Depending on your plant hardiness zone, you'll want to make sure you find a location for your garden that receives full sun, which is considered 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. Many garden favorites, such as tomatoes and bell peppers, like it even hotter, so 8 or more hours is ideal. Very few vegetables will tolerate mostly shade, so if your yard is shaded all day, your best bet is to opt for a container garden that you can place where you do have full sun exposure. Also, make sure you have access to water; that sounds obvious, but if you have to haul watering cans or drag a hose too far in the heat of summer, it's not the most pleasant experience! Still feel up to the challenge? To inspire you, here are the best vegetable garden layout ideas including designs, products, and tips to make your garden even more productive.

kcline

1 of 20

Hang a Pot Vegetable Garden

Short on space? Try various hanging pots, which works well for many different types of edibles including strawberries, herbs, and lettuce. Bonus: it keeps your plants away from animals in your garden such as bunnies!

SHOP HANGING BASKETS

Westend61

2 of 20

Prop Up a Ladder Garden

A repurposed ladder makes the perfect foundation for lots of pots of herbs without taking up a ton of space on your patio or deck. It also accommodates different sizes of pots and window boxes, as shown here, for a pretty and appealing display.

Alison Miksch

3 of 20

Interplant with Flowers

If you don't have a dedicated garden plot, plant edibles alongside your flowers. There's always room to tuck pretty plants such as Swiss chard and nasturtium here and there throughout your garden. Plus, the local pollinators will thank you!

James Brokensha Photography

4 of 20

Line Them in Tidy Rows

This layout is the most traditional, and it definitely is appealing! You can plant tight rows of plants that don't mind chilly weather such as lettuce, then pull them out when they go to seed as hot weather hits. Replant a heat lover such as beans in the same space.

Barbara Rich

5 of 20

Grow Them on a Trellis

Growing up is always a space-saving option. Plus, some veggies, such as cukes and squash, are more productive and less vulnerable to disease with vertical support (due to better air circulation).

SHOP GARDEN TRELLISES

Geo-grafika

6 of 20

Grow Vegetables in Pots

Place various sizes of pots on the stairs leading to your home. The benefit is that each plant gets its own container so they're not competing for nutrients or moisture.

Gunther Fraulob

7 of 20

Try Companion Planting

Many gardeners believe that by planting certain combinations of plants together, they're mutually beneficial—keeping away bad insects and attracting the good ones. Here, cabbage is interplanted with signet marigolds (also edible!) for a pretty and practical display.

Barbara Rich

8 of 20

Construct Raised Beds

Raised beds are the best way to deal with poor soil; they also warm up a bit faster in the spring than the ground. You can purchase one or DIY one from wood (don't use pressure-treated, which can leach chemicals) or concrete paver stones.

martinwimmer

9 of 20

Grow in a Vertical Garden

If hungry garden visitors keep munching on your produce, try this ingenious solution: Long metal containers, such as repurposed gutters, can be mounted to stakes. Just be sure to punch holes in the bottom of each container, and plant shallow-rooted veggies such as various types of leaf lettuce, creeping herbs such as thyme, or kale.

Julija Kumpinovica

10 of 20

Set Up a Windowsill Garden

If you don't have a bit of space outdoors, a windowsill garden still allows you to grow something useful! Herbs are the best choice because they're easy to grow, many adapt to indoor conditions, and they're so expensive to buy at the grocery store. Just make sure they get plenty of bright light.

SHOP WINDOW PLANTERS

Dragoncello

11 of 20

Mount a Wall Garden

Simple shelves or a repurposed wooden pallet make a great hanging vegetable garden. Herbs and lettuce do especially well, and you won't have to share with the neighborhood critters because they can't reach!

Jasemin Abazi / EyeEm

12 of 20

Fill a Pocket Garden

This idea is inexpensive and so cute! Repurpose hanging shoe organizers (just make sure the material is porous or poke 3 to 4 holes in each plastic pocket) to grow shallow-rooted veggies such as lettuce. You'll also find fabric pockets specifically designed for planting.

Philippe Gerber

13 of 20

Grow in Stock Tanks

Stock tanks keep having a moment! Why? They're nearly indestructible, last for years, and are just about the right height for comfortable access--especially if you have back issues. Look for bottomless tanks or poke lots of holes in a traditional stock tank for drainage.

Westend61

14 of 20

Use Window Boxes

Dress up windows in a pretty, practical way with a window box full of vegetables or herbs. You can also hang window boxes from deck railing to maximize your space.

Jacky Parker Photography

15 of 20

Arrange Shallow Containers

Why buy lettuce that just ends up going bad in the crisper? Plant shallow containers with various kinds of lettuce, and harvest when you need it. Wait a week or two in between sowings. That way, you'll keep the harvest going longer.

SHOP GARDEN BOWLS

AKodisinghe

16 of 20

Make Tall Raised Beds

You don't have to forgo the fun of gardening if you have a bad back or achy knees. Raised bed planters at waist height can accommodate you and make gardening more fun, less painful.

Grahamphoto23

17 of 20

Grow in Fabric Bags

Fabric bags are a great way to grow vegetables because you can fold these bags up for storage at the end of the season. They're especially good for crops such as potatoes because it's easier to layer soil and to harvest.

Wander Photography

18 of 20

Go Hydroponic

Hydroponic gardens are less messy because the plants grow in water, not soil. Consider these for indoor gardens if you have zero outdoor planting space or sunlight. Many come in kits that include a grow light.

Firdausiah Mamat

19 of 20

Stuff in Straw Bales

Believe it or not, you can grow vegetables in straw bales! It's fun, clean, and can be done anywhere, such as the edge of your property or even on pavement. The bales typically last a season or two, and you can recycle the rest in your compost bin.

VittoriaChe

20 of 20

Strawberry Garden

Here's a cool idea for an edible garden! Cut holes into pipe and mount high off the ground to keep your plants away from munching garden visitors. This works especially well for plants that can drape over the edges, such as strawberries. Just be sure to drill some holes for drainage on the bottom of the pipe.

SHOP PVC PIPE

55 Cute Things to Do on Mother’s Day

Arricca Elin SanSone Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more.

Garden planning. 6 main principles of planning a personal plot.

The garden is usually perceived only as a source of fresh vegetables and herbs. Meanwhile, green beds can become an important element of garden design. In addition, a reasonable layout of the garden, taking into account the needs of plants, helps to get an excellent harvest.

The main principles of garden planning
1. Maximum light
Most vegetables are photophilous. It is better to choose a well-lit and evenly lit area for the garden. For example, tomatoes reduce yields even if they are in the shade for about 2 to 3 hours a day. So that both sides are heated evenly, the beds are oriented from north to south.

2. Calculate your strength.
Give your vegetable garden exactly as much space as you can - and want! - handle. If you are in the country only on weekends and then not every time, it hardly makes sense to plan a large garden and strive to plant as many crops as possible.

3. Wide beds are not always good.
The planning of a personal plot usually begins with the marking of beds for vegetables. Traditionally, in our gardens, the beds are made 100-120 cm wide. This saves the usable area of ​​the garden, but makes it difficult to care for plantings: it is not always convenient to stretch. 70 cm wide beds are much easier to care for. For the elderly, not only narrow, but also raised beds are convenient, over which you do not need to bend down. High beds are increasingly dressed in a frame made of boards, or ready-made metal beds are used, into which fertile soil is poured. In this case, both water and fertilizers are used by plants more rationally.

4. Don't get carried away with irregularly shaped beds
This makes maintenance difficult and worsens the conditions for plants, as the soil dries out faster in the corners, so the plants may not develop evenly.

5. Passages between beds should not be the same width.
For normal care, a distance of 40 cm is sufficient; for high beds add 20 - 35 cm due to the presence of walls. If the garden is large, you need a through path for walking and walking, you can also make a platform for recreation. However, before proceeding with the formation of beds, think about how to lay a path. They should be wide enough, lead to all corners of the garden, it should be convenient not only to walk on them, but also to carry a cart.

6. Don't be afraid to combine crops.
Particularly compatible with each other. The combination of different forms of foliage, shades of color and height of plants on the same bed looks much more attractive than monotonous rows of plantings.

Beautiful garden bed.
The basic principles of garden design are quite applicable to the garden, because three-dimensional decorative compositions can be created from almost any plant.

For a single planting and creating a background, tall plants are suitable: sunflower, corn, dill, amaranth, Jerusalem artichoke, lovage, rhubarb, tall tomatoes. Sorrel and horseradish will find their place under the rhubarb, mint, oregano, perennial onions, borage and spicy herbs will complement and decorate it with flowers and umbrellas.

Vertical gardening will help to give the composition additional volume so that the garden does not seem flat: it can be zucchini, pumpkins, cucumbers, beans, beans or peas, fixed on supports. You can add flowering ornamental plants to them, for example, calendula, marigolds (tagetes), nasturtium, which drives away pests.

Low-growing plants with bright color or beautiful texture of foliage are excellent for the border: chard, basil, lettuce, carrots. And thyme, oregano, catnip, parsley and coriander will also benefit others by repelling insects and creating a barrier to weeds.

Flowering plants will become color accents: low annuals, bulbous, even medium-sized shrubs that are not prone to overgrowth. Some ornamental plants not only decorate the beds, but also bring tangible benefits, repelling pests and improving soil composition. Marigolds, which have both properties, are considered especially favorable neighbors for garden crops.

Draw a plan of the garden
The main problems in planning a garden and a personal plot are the need to observe crop rotation and different needs for vegetables. Suppose a family needs one bed of radishes, a third of lettuce, and as many as three cucumbers. The next year, all the same things will have to be planted in a completely different way. On the one hand, this is a plus, since the picture looks different every time. On the other hand, it's a headache, as this puzzle has to be solved year after year. To see if all the desired volume of vegetables will fit in the beds or if some positions will have to be reduced, draw a garden plan.

Divide the area into squares, rectangles, triangles. In nature, their size should be such that you can reach the middle of the bed with your hand. Estimate how many sections for which crop you need (for example, zucchini - 4, radish - 2, etc.).

Then cut out a sheet of paper to the required amount and write down the name of the crop, its height and color. And then move these pieces of paper according to the plan of the garden, changing their places in accordance with the crop rotation plans.

Place low plants towards the front edge, medium plants behind them, tall plants in the background as accents. Insufficient height of vegetable plants can be compensated by the use of raised beds. Naturally, they have a ladder, the lowest ones are closer to the observer. Do not forget about lighting - this is very important when planning a garden: tall plants should not obscure low ones.

What can and cannot be planted side by side.
There are garden crops that cannot grow and develop side by side due to the mutual intolerance of root and ether secretions. But there are also plants capable of "mutual assistance": planted in the neighborhood, they favorably influence each other. This must be taken into account when planning a personal plot.

Dislikes neighborhood:

tomatoes and kohlrabi;
cucumbers and cabbages;
onions (onions and garlic) and potatoes, cabbages, legumes, beets;
legumes and nightshade (tomatoes, peppers).

It is not recommended to plant tomatoes and potatoes next to each other, as this increases the likelihood of diseases common to these crops (phytophthora, fusarium).

Grow well next to each other:

celery, cauliflower and broccoli, parsley and tomatoes;
cabbage, dill, lettuce and celery;
carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, sage, marjoram, peas, onions.

Ornamental edible garden mixed bed of herbs, vegetables (with rainbow chard), and flowers between paths in Rosalind Creasy front yard garden

They help against pests (for this, planning of the garden and vegetable garden is required):

Lettuce, spinach - from earthen fleas;
Cabbage white tomatoes;
Onions and leeks for carrot flies;
Radishes against leaf beetles and spider mites, especially when planted next to cucumbers, tomatoes, beets and carrots;
Garlic against mole cricket, slugs, nematodes, ticks, Colorado potato beetle, cruciferous flea, rodents;
Calendula for cruciferous flea, leaf beetle, spider mite;
Marigolds against aphids, nematodes, carrot fly, cruciferous flea, Colorado potato beetle;
Sweet peas against rodents.

Source

interesting examples of landscape design for summer cottages

The suburban area will become beautiful and cozy if you put your hands on it. There are many ideas for planning and decorating a garden. If you wish, you can create comfort on a plantation where excellent crops are grown. For the garden, technologies for designing beds have been developed, plant care is facilitated. The recreation area is cultivated by laying paths, making lighting. The main thing is to develop an original design solution.

A summer cottage is just the place where you can show all your creativity

Garden design - let the garden be beautiful

Contents

1 Photo ideas for decorating the garden and vegetable garden 9002 9002 Working with the earth brings additional chores for cleaning the territory. Smart beds will help get rid of the ubiquitous dirt. Such a garden will not spoil the beautiful landscape of the site, on the contrary, it will add color. Looking through a selection of the best ideas for a garden (photo), something can definitely be taken as a basis. Consider the location of the beds, taking into account the peculiarities of growing vegetable crops. Many of them are decorative. With a successful layout, they will become a real decoration of the site.

It is a pleasure to look at such a garden, and it is a pleasure to take care of it

The original layout and harmonious combination of plants

The sunniest part of the plot away from home is usually chosen for growing vegetables. Thinking over the location of the beds, you need to consider which crops are planned for planting. Irrigation systems are provided for growing plants of complex agricultural technology. It is much easier to loosen high beds, the back gets less tired.

Raised beds are great for growing heat-loving crops

When choosing ideas for a garden, it is worth considering the possibilities of vertical cultivation of gourds, they give a good harvest in compost barrels, regular watering increases the decay of plant residues.

Beets, carrots, cabbage look decorative. With the original layout, these plants will decorate the landscape, complement the landscape composition.

Early cabbage in a high bed with wooden borders

There are several options for beds. From the classic with beveled, always crumbling edges, it is better to be in the country right away. It is easier to make boxes of the desired height, fill them with nutrient soil. Long narrow ridges with a two-row planting are located from east to west, used for zoning the garden. Hillocks for potatoes, cabbages are fenced with a curbstone so that dirt is not taken away. High for cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchini are made next to communications to make drip irrigation along the contour.

Artistic design of beds

When developing a garden plan, they think over not only the geometric arrangement and configuration of future plantings, but also the possibilities of framing each contour. Various building materials are used to fence the beds:

Multi-level beds are especially original. Several crops can be grown on them at once:

Tiered beds are essential for rational planting of crops in small areas. For the fencing of tiers, the same materials are used as for the design of the rest of the beds.

Protective plants - beautiful and effective

The design of any site is hard to imagine without flowers. In the case of planning a garden, it is necessary to provide for the planting of flowers that displace weeds, repel winged and underground pests. Among the most decorative protectors, several plants can be distinguished:

Nasturtium leaves in the East are added to salads, marinades for piquancy and food disinfection.

What is an ideal garden?

When choosing options for interesting ideas for the garden, do not forget about the garden. Fruit trees generously give delicious fruits, create a fertile shade on hot days. Pears, apple trees, plums, cherries are used for decorative and zonal planting.

The perfect plot starts with order, whether in the garden or in the beds and beds

Garden paths

A wide range of tile materials is produced for the design of paths. An economical solution is the installation of sand and gravel coatings, you can decorate the passages with pebbles. Borders are laid along the edges of pedestrian zones, undersized shrubs or perennial flowers are planted.

Gravel path with a natural stone border

Garden path made of wooden saw cuts

An original view by the paths, lined with round logs - processed saw cuts of trees. For the paths, plastic bottles and corks, used tires and much more are used.

Wood is an eternal material for decoration

Boards are used for border decoration, framing beds, making benches, tables, arbors, front gardens. In addition to solid wood, old furniture will be the subject of decor. Having a fantasy, you can always find a use for it.

With the help of branches, you can radically change the appearance of a mesh fence

And such an unusual fence will become a bright decoration of a summer cottage

Stone decorations in the garden - interesting ideas

Looking through the design ideas for the garden and kitchen garden, it is easy to choose the elements of stone decoration of the suburban area. The trend is dry streams, artificial reservoirs. Plitnyak, sandstone lay paths. Fences of flower beds, rockeries are made of stone, they form alpine slides, Japanese gardens.

A dry stream is one of the brightest options for decorating a suburban area

Not only a stream, but also a whole lake can be made from decorative pebbles

Photos of examples of arrangement

The selection of bright and original solutions, author's ideas for the garden and vegetable garden photo includes compositions made from improvised means and purchased materials.

Various unnecessary things and objects that are always found in the household are suitable for decorating your plot.

Learn more