If you’ve rented a garden plot, you’re already a sustainable gardener. What you might not know, however, is that many passionate gardeners are more likely to make critical design mistakes in the first few weeks of owning a space. These mistakes impact the garden throughout the season. Thankfully, it’s all avoidable with a little planning. Let’s take a look at some of the most common garden design mistakes and how to fix them.
Poor Drainage Design and Water Management
You can have the most nutritious soil on the planet, but if water can’t drain properly, your plants will suffer from fungal diseases, root rot, and nutrient deficiencies. This is particularly problematic in areas with a lot of strong thunderstorms and high humidity.
When designing your garden bed, it’s a good idea to observe the natural slope and water flow in your rented space. It’s always better to be on higher ground than in low spots because it doesn’t collect water. If your plot is relatively flat, consider creating small mounds because they drain and warm up faster in spring.
Consider the source of the water in your area. This is where professional landscape design comes in. Companies like Sky Frog Landscape can help in this case, as they specialize in site analysis to identify drainage issues before they turn into costly mistakes. Their design strategy considers the natural slope of your rented space and water flow patterns, making it easier to determine the best design strategies suitable for your situation.
Ignoring Sunlight Patterns and Plot Orientation
A garden bed may look perfect on day one, but if it’s not getting enough sunlight, your plants are going to suffer no matter how much attention you give them. Most vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day, while herbs like basil need more.
Many gardeners plant their beds based on what’s most convenient or aesthetically pleasing rather than what’s actually in line with the path of the sun. Before you start working on your plot layout, spend three to five days observing how the sun moves across your rental space. You must identify:
- Areas that receive full sun in the morning (good for most vegetables)
- Areas that receive dappled afternoon sun (good for greens that don’t like too much heat)
- Areas that are shaded most of the day (good for shade-loving herbs like mint and parsley).
Be aware of structures and hardscape elements like fences, trellises, and arbors that might provide shade in the summer but deny much-needed sunlight in spring and fall.
Cramped Spacing and Poor Hardscape Planning
While ambition is great, overstacking plants is a surefire way to ruin productivity. When plants are stacked next to one another, they will inevitably compete for water, food, and sunlight. Not to mention the difficulty that will ensue when it’s time to weed, harvest, or deal with pests.
When designing your garden, it can be tempting to fill every available space with plants. Avoid this. Plant smart with proper spacing based on each plant’s mature size. Remember, tomatoes, peppers, and squash require far more space than lettuce or herbs.
At the same time, you should consider how you will move through your garden space seasonally. In early spring, you need easy access to the plants to make planting easier. During the summer, you will be harvesting almost daily. So, keep these points in mind when designing access points and pathways.
Endnote
To ensure garden productivity, you must always begin by focusing on a thoughtful design layout. By optimizing sunlight, water flow, and space as a whole, you can set yourself up for a successful growing season. Whether you have a small rented space or a larger home garden, be sure to keep these design tips in mind to achieve the best results.