So you want a garden, eh? Starting a home garden is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but proper planning is essential for success. Before you put a single seed in the ground, taking a few key steps can save you time, money, and frustration. Here are five critical things to do before building your home garden to ensure lush, thriving plants.

1. Assess Sunlight Exposure for Optimal Placement

One of the most important factors in a successful garden is sunlight exposure. Different plants require different amounts of sunlight, so choosing the right location is crucial. Residential areas have vertical structures (neighbor’s houses, fences, trees, hedges, etc.) that create temporary shade areas , or permanently block the sun’s love. Take these steps and come up with a game plan.

• Track the Sun – Observe your yard throughout the day to see which areas get full sun (6+ hours), partial sun (3-6 hours), or shade (less than 3 hours).
• Use a Sun Map – Mark your yard’s sunniest and shadiest spots over time.
• Plant Accordingly – Vegetables, herbs, and flowers like tomatoes, basil, and roses need full sun, while shade-tolerant plants like ferns, lettuce, and hostas will do better in less direct light.

2. Test and Improve Your Soil for Healthy Plants

Soil quality can make or break your garden. Conducting a soil test before planting ensures that your plants will have the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. It can also determine if a raised bed might be your best option, where you can control the soil characteristics.

• DIY or Professional Test – Use a home soil test kit or send a sample to your local extension service.
• Check pH and Nutrients – Ideal garden soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0) and rich in organic matter.
• Amend as Needed – Add compost, manure, or organic fertilizers to enrich poor soil, or adjust pH levels with lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH).

3. Plan for Water Access and Irrigation

Ensuring your plants get consistent water is key to a successful garden. Before planting, evaluate your water sources and create an efficient irrigation plan.

• Locate the Nearest Water Source – Make sure your garden is within reach of a hose or irrigation system to avoid carrying heavy watering cans.
• Consider Drip Irrigation or Soaker Hoses – These conserve water and deliver moisture directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation.
• Check Drainage – Avoid planting in areas where water pools after rain, as poor drainage can lead to root rot.

4. Choose the Right Plants for Your Climate and Space

Not all plants thrive in every environment. Selecting plants suited to your USDA Hardiness Zone and available space will improve your gardening success.

• Find Your Hardiness Zone – Look up your planting zone to determine which plants will survive year-round in your region.
• Mix Annuals and Perennials – Annuals (like tomatoes and peppers) provide quick yields, while perennials (like rosemary and blueberries) offer long-term benefits.
• Use Vertical Gardening for Small Spaces – If space is limited, consider trellises, hanging planters, and stackable garden beds to maximize your area.

5. Design Your Garden Layout for Efficiency and Growth

A well-planned garden layout will make planting, maintenance, and harvesting much easier. Take time to design your space before getting started.

• Sketch Your Layout – Plan where each plant will go based on sunlight needs and spacing requirements.
• Use Companion Planting – Pair plants like tomatoes and basil or carrots and onions to improve growth and deter pests.
• Create Paths for Easy Access – Designate walking paths to avoid compacting soil around your plants.

Final Thoughts

Starting a home garden takes more than just digging and planting. By assessing sunlight, testing soil, planning irrigation, selecting the right plants, and designing a thoughtful layout, you’ll set yourself up for a thriving and productive garden. Take the time to prepare, and you’ll enjoy a season full of healthy plants and bountiful harvests!

What’s Next? Check out our guides on companion planting and best vegetables for beginners to get started today!