By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
January may feel like the heart of winter, but it’s the perfect time to start planning your garden for the year ahead. Thoughtful preparation now sets the stage for a productive and enjoyable growing season. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, taking time to plan during these colder months will help you maximize your space, save time and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Why plan in winter?
Planning early allows you to choose the best site, select varieties suited for Kentucky and organize your planting schedule. When properly managed, a well-designed garden can easily supplement your family’s diet with fresh produce. By mapping out your garden now, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when spring arrives.
Steps to get started
Set realistic goals. Decide on a garden size or type you can maintain based on your available space and time. If you are new to gardening, you may want to start with a few containers or raised beds. Overplanting often leads to frustration when weeds and pests take over. A manageable plot will keep gardening fun and rewarding.
Choose the right location. Select a site with full sun for at least six hours a day, good drainage and easy access to water. Avoid low spots where frost settles or areas that stay soggy after rain. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, plan to amend it with organic matter for better structure and fertility. Some communities offer garden spaces for lease when more ideal sun, soil and access to expertise are needed.
Sketch your garden layout. Once you know where your garden will be, begin by drawing a scale model of your space. Consider plant height and sunlight needs — tall crops like corn and tomatoes should go on the north or west side so they don’t shade smaller plants. Perennials such as asparagus and rhubarb should be grouped along one edge since they’ll return year after year.
Select crops your family loves. Garden planning can be interactive and educational. If this is a family project, involve kids by having them cut out pictures of their favorite vegetables from a seed catalog and paste them onto the garden sketch. This ensures your effort pays off in meals everyone will appreciate. It also builds excitement and teaches valuable lessons about food and nature.
Plan for succession planting. To keep your garden productive all season, plan to replace harvested crops with new plantings. This technique, called “succession planting,” helps you make the most of your space.
For more expert guidance, explore the “Growing Your Own” series from the University of Kentucky’s Plan Eat Move Extension program. This collection of resources includes the popular GARDEN Calendar, which offers month-by-month tips, planting schedules and fun family activities. Beginner growing guides are also available for many popular vegetables and herbs. These are excellent resources for planning, planting and harvesting throughout the year.
Gardening is more than growing food — it’s about creating memories, learning patience, and enjoying the satisfaction of eating what you’ve nurtured. Start planning today and make this year’s garden your best yet!
For more information on starting or planning a garden, contact your local Carter County Extension office. The “Growing Your Own” garden publications can be found at https://www.planeatmove.com/get-moving/growing-your-own-garden/. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
Pesticide Safety & Private Applicator Training – February 6th from 1:00-4:00 PM or February 9th from 5:30-8:30 PM; Call 474-6686
Extension District Board – February 10th @ 10:00 AM
Berry Plant Orders Due – February 10th
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