Garden Planning for Beginners: Grow With Confidence

January can feel like the longest month of the year and for us growers, we’re often itching to get back out in the soil. All you want to do is start sowing your seeds but just like nature takes a pause in winter, this quiet season is an invitation to rest, reflect and plan your patch!

That’s exactly what we explore in our Planuary workshop, a session designed to help new (and seasoned!) growers plan their patch for the growing season ahead. Thoughtful planning now means a more abundant harvest later and it helps to reduce the overwhelm and decision fatigue that new growers face. From making the most of your space to ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce, a little foresight goes a long way.

Here’s what we covered:

• Where to begin with planning?
• Introduction to the seasons
• Different growing conditions
• Understanding crop rotation
• Growing aids
• Pest control
• Essential patch maintenance

Missed the workshop? Click here to catch the replay!

Meet Our Patch Managers and Planuary Facilitators

Ed – Founder of Roots Allotments

Ed founded Roots Allotments with a vision of making growing food more accessible and sustainable. Now in his fifth growing season, he’s passionate about creating food systems that regenerate the land and support long-term food security. A strong advocate for chemical-free growing, he believes in empowering people to reconnect with where their food comes from and grow produce in a way that’s better for both people and the planet. For Ed, growing isn’t just about what’s on your plate, it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of the land, building resilient communities, and making fresh, homegrown food a reality for more people.

Jazzy – Leigh Woods, Bristol Patch Manager

With a background in permaculture, Jazzy’s approach is about growing in harmony with nature. As Patch Manager at Leigh Woods, she oversees the site and looks after our members (you’ll always hear her coming as she’s nearly always singing!). Jazzy is known for being experimental with her growing and her biggest advice is to just have a go!

She’s played a key role in hosting events, like the Wassail celebration at our Bristol site, where she led the community in honouring the trees and celebrating the new growing season. Jazzy’s work is rooted in both practical skills and a deep respect for the traditions that bring people together around the land.

Charlie – Avon Views, Bath Patch Manager

Mentored by renowned grower Charles Dowding, Charlie brings a wealth of hands-on experience to his role as Patch Manager at Avon Views. Splitting his time between a thriving market garden in South Gloucestershire and overseeing our site just outside Bath, he’s deeply invested in helping others grow with confidence.

From guiding members through the seasons to planning, planting, and nurturing the land, Charlie’s work is rooted in a passion for both food and nature. Whether he’s mulching beds, planting trees or sharing practical advice, he’s always helping every member make the most of their patch.

Nat – Nottingham Patch Manager

As Patch Manager at our Nottingham site, Nat’s focus is on nurturing the land and helping others develop their growing skills. She’s passionate about growing food for her family, which fuels her love for connecting others to the joys of homegrown produce.

Willem – Tuckers Meadow, Bath Patch Manager

Willem lives on a boat along the River Avon, where his close connection to nature shapes both his work and lifestyle. As Patch Manager at Tuckers Meadow, our Bath site, he oversees all aspects of the space while sharing his knowledge through hands-on workshops, like DIY bird feeders, to help others engage with the environment around them.

With a passion for the history and folklore of plants, Willem brings a unique perspective to his work, merging his practical growing skills with ancient stories and traditions that connect us to the land. Whether he’s managing the site or running a workshop, Willem’s all about helping people get closer to nature and learn something new.

The Key Takeaways of our Planuary Workshop

☑️ Start Simple

It might feel exciting to dive into more adventurous crops like Kohlrabi in your first growing season but starting with simpler options is often the best way to go. When you’re just getting started, it’s important to build your confidence and experience gradually, so it’s a good idea to begin with vegetables that are easy to grow and ones you already enjoy eating. This way, you’re more likely to be motivated by the fruits of your labour!

Here’s what we recommend for new growers:

☑️ Consider Your Space

When planning your patch, it’s important to think about how to best use the space you have. For our starter patches (12m x 3m), we recommend dividing the area into four quadrants. We suggest creating a small pathway with wood chippings between each quadrant. This not only helps keep things tidy and well-defined but also ensures you can access every corner of your patch without stepping on the plants.

Each quadrant can serve a specific purpose, whether it’s growing vegetables, herbs or flowers, allowing you to experiment with a variety of crops and rotate them throughout the seasons. And don’t forget to add a bit of fun and flexibility to your plan! We recommend our members reserve one quadrant as a creative space – an area where you can experiment with different plants or even set aside a section just for the kids to get involved, play, and get their hands dirty. It’s a perfect opportunity to let them explore the magic of nature in a way that’s free from expectations.

☑️ Get to know the seasons

Understanding the seasons and how they affect your patch is key to successful growing. Each season offers unique opportunities and challenges, so it’s important to grasp what each one brings to the table. Take note of the frost dates in your area, these are crucial for knowing when to plant and when to expect the last frost so you can protect your crops during the colder months. You can adjust your planting schedule based on these frost dates, making sure your plants are safe and well-prepared for whatever the weather throws at them.

☑️ Patch Maintenance Frequency

☑️ How to Harvest

​​Knowing when and how to harvest is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening, and it can vary depending on the type of plant. Familiarise yourself with the key indicators for harvesting each crop. For example, potatoes are typically ready to harvest after their flowers have bloomed and faded. Other plants, like peas, should be picked when the pods are full but not overripe. Understanding these cues ensures you harvest at the right time, allowing you to enjoy your produce at its peak.

One way to fully engage with the plant cycle is by utilising every edible part of the plant, from root to leaf. For example, you can use beet greens in salads or soups, or turn carrot tops into a flavorful pesto. This approach helps minimize waste and allows you to make the most of your hard work, making your harvest even more rewarding. Embracing the whole plant ensures that nothing goes to waste and it adds a new level of creativity to your meals.

⏯️ Catch the Replay!

If you didn’t get a chance to join us live, don’t stress! You can still catch all the valuable insights from our Planuary workshop by clicking the button below ⬇️

🌱WATCH OUR PLANUARY WORKSHOP HERE 🌱