It's the ideal time to get over the winter cold and begin envisioning what your garden might become as 2026 approaches. A well-designed garden layout creates the conditions for a productive, stress-free growing season, regardless of whether you have a sunny balcony or a large plot of land.
The Yorkshire Seeds team offers helpful hints and professional guidance in this guide to assist you in creating the ideal garden design, customised to your needs, your available area, and your ideal crop.
Why Garden Planning Matters
Taking time in January to plan your garden helps you:
🌞 Maximise sunlight & space
🌱 Prevent overcrowding & wasted seed
🔁 Rotate crops to protect your soil
🐝 Encourage pollinators & companion planting
🎯 Stay on track with sowing & harvesting times
Plus, it just feels great to start the year with a fresh, organised vision!
📐 Step-by-Step: How to Plan the Perfect Garden Layout
1. 📏 Measure & Map Your Space
Before you buy a single seed, know your garden.
What to consider:
Size (in metres or feet)
Soil condition and type
Areas of full sun, partial shade, or full shade
Drainage and slope
Wind exposure and frost pockets
📌 TIP: Sketch your space or download our free printable garden layout grid.
2. 🌼 Explore Layout Styles
Depending on your space and goals, choose a layout that fits:
🟩 Raised Beds
Organised and easy to maintain. Great for small gardens and crop rotation.
🔲 Square-Foot Gardening
Divide your space into 1ft squares—each square gets one crop (ideal for beginners and tight spaces).
🪴 Container Gardens
Perfect for patios and balconies. Group by sun needs and watering habits.
🌻 Themed Beds
Herb spiral
Pollinator-friendly flower bed
“Kitchen garden” for daily use veggies
📌 TIP: Use trellises and vertical planters to grow up, not out.
3. 📅 Plan Your Sowing & Harvest Calendar
A year-round layout includes:
Early sowings in modules or under cover (Jan–Mar)
Main crops for spring and summer (Apr–Aug)
Succession planting (e.g. salad every 2 weeks)
Autumn harvests & overwintering veg
Use your layout map to:
Assign each crop to a space
Note the sowing date, spacing, and harvest period
Leave space for crop rotation and follow-up planting