As the snow melts and the days grow longer, gardeners dream of fresh vegetables and vibrant flowers. But before you plant your first seed, a little preparation will set you up for a thriving garden this season. Whether working with raised beds or a backyard plot, following these steps will help you maximize your space and grow a productive, beautiful garden.
1. Identify Your Garden Location and Dimensions
Healthy soil is the foundation of a great garden! Look for a location with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Avoid low-lying areas where water tends to pool after rain.
If your soil is poor or compacted, consider raised beds and add compost to improve fertility.
A good starting size for beginners is:
- 4’ x 8’ raised beds (easy to maintain and reach all sides)
- 10’ x 10’ in-ground plots (manageable for a mix of vegetables and flowers)
Most vegetables and flowers require 6–8 hours of direct sunlight, so find a sunny spot with good drainage.
2. Choose the Right Plants for Your Garden
Zone 3 has a short growing season ( approximately 114 frost-free growing days as our average last frost: is early to mid-May, first frost: is mid-September). For more detailed information on our zone, please read What growing zone are we and why does it matter?
Consider your goals—do you want fresh salads, a cutting flower garden, or homegrown ingredients for preserving?
Vegetables
- Cool-season crops: Lettuce, spinach, kale, peas, radishes, carrots, and beets
- Warm-season crops (require extra planning): Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers
Flowers
- Annuals: Marigolds, nasturtiums, zinnias (great for companion planting)
- Perennials: Yarrow, Bleeding Heart and Liatris
3. Plan Your Garden Layout
Each plant has different spacing needs, and overcrowding can lead to poor growth and disease. Consider using a square-foot gardening method or traditional row planting to make the most of your space.
- Tall plants (tomatoes, sunflowers) should be placed so they do not shade smaller crops.
- Vining plants (cucumbers, peas) do well with trellises along the edges to save space.
Sketch your garden layout (found on pages 9 & 10 of our free garden planner) to visualize the layout before planting.
4. Research Ideal Planting Times
Some crops, like peas and lettuce, can be direct-seeded in early spring, while warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers need a head start indoors.
To extend your season, consider using row covers or cold frames to protect young plants from unexpected frosts.
Here is a general guideline for planting times:
- Mid-March to Late March: Start peppers, tomatoes, and herbs indoors.
- Mid-May: Direct-seed peas, carrots, beets, and radishes.
- Late May-June: Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and squash outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
Visit our website for additional guidance and valuable resources on finding the best seeding times for our Zone 3 gardens. Follow us on social media to see what we are seeding and when.
5. Make a Seeding and Transplant Schedule
Use pages 11 to 15 of our Garden Planner to track important dates and stay organized throughout the season.
- Seeding date: When to start seeds indoors or direct sow outdoors.
- Transplant date: When to move seedlings outside.
- Expected harvest date: Approximate time for picking produce.
Example schedule for tomatoes:
- March 15: Start seeds indoors.
- May 20: Harden off plants and transplant outdoors.
- July-August: Begin harvesting.
6. Gather Your Tools and Supplies
To set yourself up for success, make sure you have these gardening essentials:
- Hand tools: Trowel, pruners, weeder
- Watering system: Hose with a spray nozzle, watering can, or drip irrigation
- Soil and amendments: Compost, mulch, fertilizer
- Plant supports: Stakes, trellises, tomato cages
- Weather protection: Row covers or frost blankets for unexpected cold snaps
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By taking the time to lay the groundwork now, you will maximize your garden’s potential and enjoy a rewarding growing season.Â
Ready to start your garden? Share your garden goals in the comments or on social media. We would love to hear what you’re growing this season! 🌱