Vegetable Garden Layout: Some Tips for a Healthy Crop

We have discussed the planning of our Vegetable Garden Layout in a number of posts and articles and as we all know it does not require as much time and effort as you might have first thought. The real key is in the planning, good planning makes for good planting makes for a good healthy crop of vegetables.

1. Location Of Your Plot

Try and get the morning sun for your vegetable crop, away from wind if possible. Remember if you plant tress they will take a lot of the water and food away from your plants so if planning or needing a windbreak, try something less evasive, some peas for example.

2. Preparation

Make sure you have got rid of any weeds, get the roots and make sure they are gone, this is very easy in containers but still necessary. Once the weeds are gone check the ph level of your soil and make sure it is suitable for the crop you have chosen. If you need to put in some nutrients make sure you leave adequate time for this to settle and mix prior to planting.

Related Post: Vegetable Garden Layout: Time To Compost.

3. What Vegetables To Plant

You should of course have planned your crop, checked the climate checked the planting season etc. If you have managed a plan which involves rotation to allow a couple of good crops this will be ideal.

4. Upkeep

When you are planting stick to your plan, resist the temptation to make last minute adjustments as these can have hidden knock on effects. Plant your crop to run north to south this will allow your vegetables to get more sunlight while limiting the quantity of shade. Keep your water levels right, not too much not too little.


If you have constructed a good plan for your Vegetable Garden Layout  and stick to it you should end up with a healthy crop. It is very satisfying to sit down and eat the fruits of your own labor and of course know you are getting good healthy vegetable at next to no cost.

Click here to read sprayer buying guide for your vegetable garden.

Vegetable Garden Layout: Time To Compost

I am still planning our Vegetable Garden Layout for this Spring planting season so soon to be upon us and I was thinking about what I would need and realized now is the time to be making the compost. Now I know some of us do this all year round but some don’t and those who are just beginning might like some tips.

Related Post:Vegetable Garden Layout: Some Tips for a Healthy Crop

Compost helps to stabilise the soil in your garden, provides vital nutrients for your vegetables and other areas of the garden. It is also in line with our green organic credentials and helps with recycling.
The best way to make compost is to find a well aired area of your garden, somewhere away from the house as they can smell and attract insects and just start piling up the necessary material.


Usually we need what are referred to as greens and browns to get a nice mixture. On this I am a bit fussy and don’t use certain things which others will, I like my compost so I am going to tell you my Greens and Browns.


The Greens are grass cuttings, some flowers; I never put weeds in as they can seed if you are not careful, vegetable leftovers and tea Bags.

These go with my Browns which I start with old cardboard as the base and wrapper so to speak, and then I add egg shells tissue paper, light pruning leaves and any odd wood shavings. This then gets the magic ingredient of horse manure and is left to ferment and rot.


Now remember you should turn this as often as you can let the air in, I know it lets the smell out but it is worth it in the long run. Keep it nice and aired with the fork, you got to get the air in to do its work.
Starting now will give you nice compost for the autumn, you need to maybe break it up a little with your spade as it will not be all nice and broke down like the store bought stuff.

If you have a smaller garden and decide on a bin, these are usually well aired and reduce the need for turning etc.


Remember as you are adding to your pile all the time it won’t all mature at the same time so this should become a continuous process with you just taking off the stuff you need and leaving the rest to continue to mature. Don’t worry about making too much that’s where neighbours come in?

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