My Exact Kitchen Garden Planting Plan

The day has come and gone (okay, but just like a couple of days ago). Our inaugural planting day in the NEW KITCHEN GARDEN! 

All of a sudden soil was in (yes, all 110 bags) and I was ready to go and had starts waiting for me, and it just … happened. And I had the most giant smile on my face ever of all time. I even texted my husband about it. 

But what did I plant, you ask?! I’ll show you! I got started on my plan, which I actually completely used the garden club for (if you don’t know, I have a monthly gardening club for all US hardiness zones) because in my excitement I forgot everything I knew about timing and what to plant right now, etc. 

I always tweak as I go, so this is never a final plan, BUT I’m going to stick pretty close to this for many reasons, which I’ll fully explain. 

I actually do think I may need to number my beds, which is sending me into a very fun place of looking for cute metal number placards. But, going left to right and top to bottom: 

BED ONE: 

The large tomato bed is what I planted first. I had some great Beef Steak tomatoes from Burpee and needed to plant them ASAP. How do I plant them? I prune all lower leaves off and plant way deep down the stem. Immediately stake them with support, and companion plant some of these: basil, marigold, alyssum, borage. 

I did plant some basil and will add much more. I’m actually thinking I’ll do Alyssum instead of marigolds this year because marigolds require a lot of deadheading in my experience. 

Other tomato varieties: Juliette, San Marzano, and a white sugar tomato that has won a local taste test – had to do it. 

BED TWO: 

Empty so far, but will be home to other tomatoes, borage, carrots (maybe too late in the season), and onions. 

BED THREE: 

The strawberry bed is going to sit half-empty for a while because I’m undecided on them. Chives will go in regardless. But strawbs take forever to produce well. I do have excellent acidic soil amendment for them at the ready! 

BED FOUR: 

I first added some nasturtium seeds to the inner edge to create an aisle from the walkway. All beds from the arch trellis to the fountain will have them. I can’t wait for this detail! Kale is going in asap, and I started seeds of bachelor’s buttons and bee balm – this is gonna be a good bed. 

BED FIVE: 

This was supposed to have cucumber, but I put some super long vining tomato plant there with the cosmos. Squash went in too! I have no clue about the variety because the kids and I started these a month ago and I didn’t write it down. Some mix of yellow squash and zucchini. 

BED SIX: 

Potatoes and watermelon are the names of this game. Until I rename it “just watermelons” because I didn’t buy seed potatoes in time it seems. 

BED SEVEN: 

Sweet potatoes bed! Wow, this seems ambitious. I need to get some slips asap – or this will be a catch-all bed of extras. We always need more beans and squash, so we’ll see. 

BED EIGHT: 

I did plant the cosmos border, and squash that the kids started from seed! But the arch will have Scarlett Runner Beans because they’re so stunning and I’ve been dying to grow them. 

BED NINE: 

Bush beans, cucumber, and peppers! I have incredible peppers that Burpee sent me and I am absolutely so eager to see them. Something about how unique all the peppers are just intrigue me. 

BED TEN: 

I started calendula seeds here and then bought eggplant instead of okra. Because let’s face it – I’m from California and I have NO idea what to do with okra. More peppers will go here too – everyone loves a jalapeno moment. 

And that’s a wrap on that! Off to go send love to all the seedlings! 

If you want more info on how to plan your garden, check out THIS POST.