It’s never too early to start planning for this year’s garden. Seriously, planning now actually tricks you into thinking gardening is right around the corner…and not months away. 😉 It also allows you to make any virtual changes with the simple swipe of an eraser…if only all of life could be so simple.
First things first, get those seed catalogs headed in your direction. Order ’em up, surf them online, decide what varieties will make the cut this year. I like to spread them all out and roll in them, much like rappers do with cash. That’s probably not a safe thing to share, but there it is anyways.
If you are new to gardening check out my tips for seed shopping from catalogs. There’s lot’s of useful ideas in that post.
Once you’ve ordered your seeds, you are going to need a way to keep them organized. If you are like me, you’ve probably over-ordered. It’s okay. It happens.
Next, plan out your garden–where you will plant what and when you will plant it. My companion planting chart will help you determine what plants should be neighbors and which plants should be separated.
Will you be kicking it old school and planting into a garden bed? Using pallets or containers? All three work great. You get to decide. It’s gardening freedom, baby.
Depending on your climate {read your seed packets for suggested start dates}, you may want to start your seeds indoors. Starting seeds is easier than most people think. Really, I’m not lying. I have a complete list of planting guides, if you need to know how to get them started. And remember when it is time to move them outside, you will need to harden them off first.
If you want a DETAILED outline of how to plan out your gardening timeline {including pitfalls and additional projects}, check out my month-by-month gardening eBooks. They detail out every.single.chore down to the month.
Am I crazy, or do you start planning your garden this early too?! Maybe I’m just gardening-crazy? I’m cool with that.
~Mavis
erin in ia says
Who is the white haired fella?
Julie says
I started already my planning a few weeks back!! lol Waiting on my Botanical Interests catalog to order a few more seeds! I use Zukeeni website tho, I don’t know if you already used it, but it really help to know when to plant, and how to organize your garden. It’s been so useful!
Lissa says
We miss Francisco! How about an update?!
Mavis Butterfield says
I’ll see what I can do.
Sherry says
When you plant strawberries into pallet gardens, will they freeze and die if you live in a state where it get really cold for a long winter?
Mavis Butterfield says
They pretty much do the same as if you were to plant them in the ground. Here in Washington state my berries come back year after year.
Connie says
I can t wait for spring ! I like the metal seed box pictured.. Mine are in ziploc bags in refrigerator roughly divided by category. Need to see what I need