Using a Garden Plan to Organize Your YardA garden plan will help you plan and visualize the ideas that you have for your garden. Whether you use a pencil and paper or a computer program such as EdrawMax, this step will help you ensure that your garden is exactly what you imagine it to be.Most vegetables grow best in a sunny area near water to allow for irrigation. Many gardeners agree it is best to plant rows north/south to avoid taller plants from shading shorter ones.Sun and ShadeIt is important to take into account the amount of sun or shade that a particular area gets when you are planting your garden. If you plant a plant that thrives in sun in a shady zone, it might not develop well and flower. A shade-loving flower placed too close to sun will eventually scorch and die.The cardinal directions, as well as the location of large trees and buildings can impact the amount of sunlight each area of your yard gets. A good way to determine the light levels in your yard is to draw an sun map. Observe this spot for about an hour or two a day. Make sure to take into account shadows caused by tall plants and structures. Over the course of a few days take note of when each spot receives direct sunlight and for the length of time.If you're struggling with full shade, think about climbing up a tree to help increase the light in the canopy. This lets more sunlight penetrate the lower branches and makes shady areas look healthier. Containers can also be used to grow herbs, grasses and flowers in shaded areas. Annuals that are planted directly in the soil won't flower as well as ones in containers. The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden Planner makes it easy to select plants suitable for shaded areas. Simply click the "Partial Shade Tolerant' filter in the selection bar to view the options.WaterThis plan is based on plants that can survive with little irrigation to keep water usage within the garden in check. Nature-designed drought-tolerant plants have specific characteristics to aid them in their survival, such as lush succulent leaves that soak in moisture and a slight fuzz that clings to morning dew. Start by penciling in perennials and shrubs. Planting larger plants first is ideal since they require more space. Do not add border ornaments like stepping stones or mulch until the garden is completed. These items can add up quickly, and they're typically expensive to install. flower gardens Composting your garden will improve the soil's quality by increasing its nutrient and moisture content. It also introduces soil microbes that fight pathogens and prevent diseases, thus reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Compost is made by decomposing organic matter - such as pet waste, plant clippings and food scraps that are edible into a rich humus that acts as a natural plant fertilizer.It is best to begin your compost pile on bare ground rather than in the form of a bin. This will allow beneficial worms and organisms into the pile. On top of the soil that is bare you can place a few inches or straw to aid in aeration and slow the breakdown of the compost. The pile should be placed in a partially shaded location and a place with drainage that is good. Do not put a compost pile in a moist or shady location that will attract rodents and other insects.Try to achieve flower gardening of two to three parts carbon-rich substances (browns) to one part nitrogen-rich materials (greens). Alternate layers of brown and green ingredients. Avoid adding large amounts of any type of ingredient, like dumping all of your fall leaves in all at once, since this can restrict air flow and can cause the pile to overheat.Digging a trench to store the ingredients, then covering it with garden soil is a variation on the traditional compost pile. This method is used to grow vegetables such as climbing beans in rows. The rich, nutrient-rich and moisture-retentive compost assists in feeding the plants and encourages vigorous growth and bumper yields.FertilizerPhotosynthesis is the process by which plants create their own food, but it takes time. When natural plant food is in short supply or depleted man-made fertilizers can be used to supplement nutrients. Most commercial fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Certain commercial fertilizers also contain other elements that are beneficial however in smaller amounts. These include calcium and magnesium.Fertilizers can be found as natural and artificial products, but it's important to read labels to determine the most suitable one for your soil and garden. Some fertilizers may contain insecticides or weed chemicals, which can also have a negative impact on the environment, but these should be used separately from the fertilizer to avoid undesirable consequences.Before purchasing seeds or transplants, take time to determine which crops really interest you and how much of your area you can devote to the garden. Decide on your hardiness zone and then think about the kinds of vegetables that will thrive in that. Plan to rotate crops in order to improve soil fertility and yields of the crop.A garden plan will assist you in determining the location of beds, borders pathways, and garden structures. This will help you avoid confusion and save time. It also gives you the chance to clearly mark the scale plan of which features of softscape and hardscape you want in your backyard. For example, you might include some creative pergola ideas to create shade or a seating area in the sun, and also some pathways made of gravel or paving stones between your plants.Pests and DiseasesDiseases and pests can be detrimental to plants, even if most gardeners find it rewarding. Fortunately, several easy methods can be used to prevent pest and disease problems before they are able to propagate.Start with a healthy, well-drained and healthy soil. The more nutritious your soil is, the better your plants will be able to resist the ravages of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Include regular additions of organic matter such as compost to help encourage the growth of populations of the microbes and other organisms that aid in promoting plant health.Grow a variety crops that will attract beneficial insect. These beneficial insects feed on pests that might otherwise eat or pollute your crops. By attracting these natural predators, you will be able to reduce the amount of pesticides you use and stop aphids from destroying your vegetables.Examine your plants on a regular basis for signs of pest or disease infestations. Check for wilted or damaged stems, leaves, and flowers. These are the first signs of a problem in a plant. They should be treated immediately to avoid an outbreak.Determine the kind of disease or pest that is causing the problem and take steps to rectify the issue. For instance, if you notice that your tomato plants suffer from brown spots, check the roots for signs of nematodes fusarium or verticillium. flowers garden that can be introduced by pests, and can kill your crops quickly.You can also find out more aboutA garden plan can aid you in organizing your garden from the types of plants you can plant in the border, to the best times to harvest. It will also aid you in staying on top of essential tasks such as watering, fertilizer application and the control of pests. On the internet, you will find a number of free programs to plan your garden. These are perfect for those who aren't experienced or anyone looking to get the most out of their garden space.Some of these plans come with pre-made templates to assist you in your first steps, while others let you start from scratch. Most allow you to zoom in and out, and move around the drawing to make it exactly the way you want it. You can also draw boundaries like walls or fences, design sprinkler systems, and even plant trees, plants and bushes.The tool for browsing on the web from Anglian Home was originally designed to be a reference guide for vegetable growers however, it has since evolved into an effective interactive online tool that can be used to design any kind of garden. It will guide you through the process of selecting plants and vegetables that thrive in your climate, and give you the top tips to succeed in planting and harvesting. It will also analyze the weather conditions in your area and give you the best dates for planting and harvesting.This garden planner is targeted towards trees and flowers than vegetables, but it's worth a look. In contrast to other garden planning software, this one uses 3D rendering and gives you a birds-eye view of your garden.