How to Plan Your Garden in 2023

A garden map will show your garden goal for this year. Take a day to map out your entire garden and plan exactly what you want to include. To minimise the amount of text on your plans, create a separate reference list that will contain greater detail. You can even try using garden design apps to help you with this process. Or, try looking for a survey or plot map of your garden which may help with this process.

During the planning process, it’s important to note down not only what you are planting, but also when you are planting them. Consider what you want your Spring, Summer and Autumn garden to look like. By creating separate plans, you should have a good idea of how your garden needs to transition between the seasons. Spring and summer crops can overlap, by creating a solid plan you will be less likely to overcrowd your garden.

Think about what was and was not successful this year in your garden. What vegetables or flowers thrived well, what required minimal effort and what had the most problems? If you keep a gardening journal, now is the time to refer back to it. Or, now is the perfect time to start one. Keeping a log will help you significantly next year.

Take some time to mark up your plants and pots before planting. This will help you identify your plants throughout the year and assist you with remembering their names (this is helpful for new additions to the garden). Check your older tags and replace them if they have faded. Using paint markers rather than permanent markers will prevent them from fading. Labelling with the planted date will also help you track its progress.

Understanding the amount of maintenance your garden requires is an important part of planning. Re-think any aspects of your garden that are high-maintenance and think about how your time could be better spent. Think about how many hours you would like to spend gardening each day/week. Use this number to think realistically about your gardening tasks for the year. If you don’t have enough time to spare, opt for lower maintenance tasks and additions to your garden. Too much free time? Opt for higher maintenance or a broader range of additions to your garden.

Plan out your flower garden by assessing the plants that aren’t doing too great. Think about re-locating them or improving the soil. If there are plants that you don’t like the look of, what you could replace them with? Now is a great time to see if you have any plants that are overcrowded and need trimming back. Check if there are empty spaces that could be filled with new plants. If there is a particular perennial or annual flower you want more of, make sure to collect its seeds when deadheading them. Think about the season ahead, if there are perennials that are only in bloom for a short time, consider adding plants to improve the area.

Take note of what vegetables thrived in the garden this year, what vegetables you wish you had more of and those where you had too many. Some vegetables can take up a lot of space, which may be better suited for an alternative vegetable. Start mapping out your vegetable garden, and make note of what you are planting and when. Assess your space, soil, lighting and ease of access for planting, maintenance and harvesting.

You can often find gardening inspiration within your local area. Start talking with neighbours who are interested in gardening. Quite often, those who take pride in their garden are happy to offer advice and tips. The Hozelock Gardening Club provides information on events and gardening shows across the UK. These shows are incredibly inspiring. Make sure to take lots of photographs and make note of the names of plants you like. Inspiration can also be found online, in groups and in local clubs where gardeners share their experiences and advice with one another.