Build the Perfect Garden - 3 Basic Garden Layouts

While traditional vegetable garden plots may still be used in many rural areas, most people require layouts that offer less maintenance and space. There are many options available, however, that cater to this need.


Hillside Gardens

Vegetable gardens needn't always be flat. You can also create vegetable garden layouts along hillsides using raised beds or terraces. The garden's irrigation and bed design, of course, will be dependent on the slope. However, for best results, implement the beds in a way that allows vegetables to be planted across the slope. For even greater success with hillside vegetable gardens, locate them on a south or southeastern facing slope.

Raised Beds

The use of small, raised beds (no more than 3 to 4 feet wide) not only saves on space but also allows easy maneuvering when performing garden tasks. With raised beds, you can create as many or as few as you want. You can even add pathways in between for easier access to all sides. These can be covered with mulch or gravel to help keep out weeds as well as to improve the garden's overall appearance. When designing the beds, consider placing taller vegetables in the back (for 3-sided beds) or in the center for those with all-around access. Gradually work your way down in size. Eliminate the need for staking plants by growing certain types together, such as beans and corn. This allows the beans to grow up the corn stalks rather than fooling with stakes. You could also add trellises for vining or climbing crops. The use of raised beds in vegetable gardens greatly improves its success. The soil can be easily worked and is looser, accommodating large roots systems. Growing crops closer together also provides plants with more moisture and less room for weed growth, resulting in healthier, more vigorous growing plants.

Containers and Vertical Gardens

Nearly any vegetable can be successfully grown in containers, making them one of the easiest vegetable garden layouts available. Containers of all sorts can be used as long as suitable drainage is provided. These can also be arranged in numerous ways and moved around as needed. Set them in garden beds, place them on tiers and shelves, or hang them in baskets nearly anywhere. You can even add a small trellis to your container for climbing crops. Alternatively, you can try your hand at growing vegetables upside down in containers or large buckets. This also eliminates many grueling garden tasks while creating a lovely, space-saving vegetable garden. Hanging vegetables, or growing them vertically, allows more freedom in both design and maintenance. Keep in mind that most vegetable plants are heavy water drinkers and must be watered more frequently when grown in containers. Growing vegetables in containers is a great way for urban gardeners to make the most of their space while still enjoying a nice harvest.

Don't let the thought of those large traditional vegetable garden layouts prevent you from having the vegetable garden you want. There are many different ways to grow vegetables--easily and with much less space.