Planning a garden each year can feel very daunting. With so many possibilities, it can be challenging to know what to plant and where. But the key to success lies in careful review of the previous year and asking the right questions before you put seeds in the ground. Your garden’s success depends on factors like plant selection, soil conditions, time commitments, and your overall goals for the space. Whether you’re aiming for a flourishing vegetable patch, a colorful flower bed, or a blend of both, thoughtful planning can make all the difference. Whether you’ve had a garden before or not, here is a list of questions that can get you thinking about what and how you want to plant this year.

Experienced Gardeners - Ask Yourself These Questions

What were my most productive plants last year?

Do you want to plant them again? How many plants did you plant last year, and was it too much or not enough? You may want to consider adding or subtracting from the number of plants you grew last year to better fit your harvesting needs and wants.

What were my favorite plants to grow last year?

Are there any plants you want to plant again, not because they serve a utilitarian purpose but because they just made you happy for some reason? What do you want to plant differently this year? Gardening is as much about enjoyment and personal satisfaction as it is about producing food or flowers.

Is there something you did not plant last year that you want to plant this year?

Did you hear about a new variety of vegetables or flowers that you want to try out? Maybe you were gifted some seeds you want to plant? Maybe you have seeds in storage you need to use up before they get too old.

Check Out Some of Our Favorite New Additions:

What pests or diseases did I encounter last year?

Can you improve your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tactics? Should you seek out resistant varieties? Will additional tools, such as covers or fences, be needed before planting your garden?

Did I fertilize last year, and if so, what, when, where, and how much?

Keeping good records of what type of fertilizer you’re using is important for soil health from year to year. Getting a soil test done at least annually can help you be informed about what’s going on below ground!

Did I have enough time for maintenance?

Did you have time for weeding, pruning, or other tasks? Think about whether your schedule allows for proper weeding, watering, and harvesting, and consider scaling up or down based on your availability.

What crops did I plant where, and do I want to plant them again?

Always practice crop rotation. Never plant solanaceous crops (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, etc) or cucurbits (squash and cucumbers) in the same place two years in a row. In fact, it is best to wait multiple years before planting them in the same place again. This is because pest problems can compound from year to year as they persist in the soil. Crop rotation helps to interrupt pest life cycles as different pests affect different crop families. When planning your layout, keep this in mind. Did you like the aesthetics of your garden last year? What do you want to change about the layout?

New Gardeners - Ask Yourself These Questions

What is my main goal for the garden?

Are you more interested in food production, pollinator attraction, cut flowers, or curb appeal? A balance of each?

Where can I put the garden?

Keep in mind that the majority of garden plants need full sun (at least 8 hours a day), well-draining soil, and good ventilation. So, you can’t pack too many plants into a small area. Take note of how much space you have and how much space each plant needs as you formulate your plan.

What is my growing zone?

What USDA hardiness zone you are in is heavily correlated with how long your growing season is. Most seed companies should tell you what seeds can be grown where, but the sure test is the DTM. Days to Maturity (DTM) is how many days it takes on average for a seed to go from seed to harvest (or flower, depending on the typical desired end result). Calculate how many growing days you have available to you by finding the last frost date and the first frost date in your area and counting the days between them. Keep in mind that you can also start seeds indoors ahead of time to extend your growing season.

Finding the Right Seeds

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the vast seed options available, consider using our seed finder quizzes to help narrow down the best selections for your region, growing space, and desired characteristics.

What do I eat already?

There is no sense in growing food you won’t eat. Consider what you already buy from the grocery store and if you can grow it at home in your garden.

How is my soil?

Get a soil test done to see if you need any amendments in order to have a productive garden! This is most important when growing with existing soil. If growing in containers, consider using a potting mix or water retention soil mix and adding an all-purpose fertilizer.

How much time do I have to commit?

Gardens need maintenance throughout the season, including watering, weeding, pruning, and more. Try to keep the garden small unless you know you have a lot of time to devote.

How big can my garden be?

Try to consider all the factors and determine how large your garden can be. Can you use pots or containers to expand your space? Should you start small because you’re not sure where your available space gets full sun yet? If you are unsure of how much sunlight your space gets, consider sun-mapping throughout the season to better know what you have to work with.

Do I want to grow conventionally or organically?

Keep in mind your area, your values, and the resources you have available. There are pros and cons to both styles, but they do require planning ahead of time. For conventional gardening, you may want to consider getting supplies such as fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides to make things easier. For organic gardening, consider acquiring things like neem oil, compost, and organically grown seeds.

Hopefully, this uncomprehensive list has your mind working in the right direction. Whether you’re building on last year’s experience or venturing into gardening for the first time, asking the right questions is essential for success. Remember that gardening is a process, and even small changes or adjustments can lead to significant improvements over time. As you think about your goals, your space, and the plants that excite you, try to balance practicality with creativity. What other questions do you ask yourself each spring? Leave them in the comments below!

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I also reside, and I love all things plants! I got a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and found the first work-from-home job I could get. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!