Plan one small kitchen garden.
A bed you can water, weed and harvest during a busy week teaches more than an oversized plan abandoned in midsummer.
Start with site and soil
Track direct sun, locate water, test soil where appropriate and avoid buried utilities. Use your local Extension planting calendar instead of a national date. Choose crops suited to the available light and season.
Give space to foods you use
| Question | Decision |
|---|---|
| Will we eat it weekly? | Give reliable favorites most of the bed. |
| Is it costly or short-lived at the store? | Consider herbs, greens and other frequently used crops. |
| Does it need support? | Place trellises where they will not shade shorter crops. |
| How will we preserve a surplus? | Choose a tested method before planting bulk quantities. |
Use the 2026 sustainability signals carefully
University of Minnesota Extension highlights reduced tillage, top-dressed organic matter and native plants in 2026 garden trends. Apply practices according to local soil, pests and climate. Add one change, observe it, and keep notes.
First sketch: draw the bed to scale, mark north, tall crops, access paths and irrigation. If you cannot reach the center without stepping on soil, revise it.