With a New Year comes a fresh start. Right now, your garden is a clean slate. For an abundance of blooms in 2022, you need a strategic plan. So, let’s get started.
First, decide what you’d like to plant and list them in your journal.
Look back at your notes from last year. Which seeds, flowers and shrubs performed well? Strong performers, productive plants that required minimal maintenance and flowers with colors that appealed to your customers are candidates for keeping. Make note of their height and spread. As for all the poor performers, well, you should probably cut them from the team—they aren’t worth the investment of time and money.
Also, do your homework. Go through all your garden catalogs. Find out what’s new, tried-and-true or high performing. These might be varieties you want for your garden and field. And if there’s something on the market that’s trending, consider adding it. Afterall, your customers might come asking for it, and you don’t want to miss out on that piece of the pie. Make note of the height and spread of each new possibility for your garden and field.
Second, consider your garden design and available space. You want to make sure
there’s enough room for each variety you want in your garden. I hate to admit it, but there have been years that I didn’t work up the proper footage for what was needed to accommodate the seeds, flowers and shrubs I had purchased. That mistake threw off my plans and made gardening a bit more complicated—something I could’ve avoided if I had planned better. So, take time to measure your garden and fields. Consider the length and width of rows and beds along with the mature height and width of each plant you want to grow. Then, sketch out your design, showing where you want to plant different varieties. Your measurements and sketch will help you determine how many of each variety you can grow.
Third, place your orders. You should now know which varieties you want and the quantities your garden and field can accommodate. And get your orders in early! I can’t stress this enough! You’ve done your homework. You know what’s new, tried-and-true, high performing and trending—and these varieties are likely to sell out first. Quantities are always limited. Don’t miss out!
Finally, work up a planting calendar. Orders will arrive at the time appropriate for your gardening zone. So, take time now to estimate what, when and how you will be planting. Ask yourself questions like these: How soon will my flower seeds need to be sown for an early bloom time? When will the dahlia tubers be shipped? Will I pre-sprout my dahlia tubers or plant them directly into the field? Your answers will help you develop a schedule of gardening tasks. By having a plan, you will know how to prioritize your time and avoid running in circles.
I share all this sincerely, and I hope it helps you have a beautiful and bountiful growing season in 2022.
Happy Gardening!
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden