NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – The middle of winter, with snow covering brick-hard, frozen ground, may seem like an odd time to plan a new garden bed, but it’s the best time. If making decisions now, the gardener will be ready when the weather warms and the ground is workable.

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Putting in a new garden bed takes a lot of effort, and nothing is as frustrating as forgetting something needed to proceed. Taking the time now to consider what to do will also make time to determine what supplies are needed to make the project a success.
After doing a bit of mid-winter daydreaming and a wish list of plants wanted in the garden this year, it’s time to plan. Look at the available space in the yard and select a spot.
Keep in mind not only the amount of sunlight a new garden bed will receive, but also how far it is from a water source.
Taking measurements and using graph paper will enable drawing a new bed to scale, but even a rough sketch with estimated measurements can provide a head start on garden renovations when spring arrives.
If planning to build a raised bed, determine the materials needed as well as the amount of soil mix to fill it. Make sure to have the necessary tools at hand.
If the area is currently lawn or weeds, how will it be cleared? Digging up what’s growing there would be one solution. Another method could be covering it with newspaper or cardboard and mulch using a sheet mulching technique (see go.uvm.edu/spring-garden), or smother it with a tarp (see https://go.uvm.edu/garden-tarping).
A fence around the area will keep unwanted critters away from the plants. Now is a great time to check out options, compare prices and find pre-season bargains.
Will the bed be decorative or productive? Flowers? Vegetables? Annuals? Perennials? If the chosen plants will need support (such as tomato cages or a trellis), check out available options.
Make a plant wish list. Browse through seed catalogs and garden books. Select plants that will thrive in the new bed’s growing conditions. Have fun considering the possibilities.
With the wish list in hand, choose plants that will fit the location based on the available light, height and size. Keep in mind the amount of space the mature plant will occupy. Place taller plants to the rear or north side of the bed so they don’t block light from shorter plants.
Get out that pencil and paper, maybe a packet of colored markers and make a rough sketch of the garden bed. Start placing plants in your sketch using a simple symbol. Rearrange or replace plants as your design evolves.
Deborah J. Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from North Adams, Mass., who is part of the Bennington County Chapter.