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If you've got the space and inclination, a large garden can provide a bountiful harvest to share with friends and family or a lavish spread of flowers and plants for retreat after a long day. A large garden requires a larger time commitment due to its size, but it's worth every minute.

Space

  • If it's a flower garden, the entirety of the area should receive sun for at least half a day
  • If it's a vegetable garden, the entirety of the area should receive as much sun as possible to be productive

Sunlight

  • Most gardens needs at least six hours of full sun each day

Budget

  • Depends on the condition of the soil—tilling and pH testing prices can vary; if the soil is bad, you'll have to bring in soil and add fertilizer
  • Larger gardens require a host of tools, including shovels, trowels, pruners, hoes, garden forks, rakes, wheelbarrows, carts, watering cans and a hose
  • Gardens need more water than assumed; drip irrigation can save money
  • Buying plants can be pricey, but starting your own plants, sharing with friends, starting small or participating in a plant swap can help cut costs; waiting until after Memorial Day is also helpful
  • Embellishments can be pricey

Time

  • Three or four days per week in the spring and one day a week in the summer is the average for a large garden
  • Thorough watering takes 10 to 15 minutes a day; 20 to 30 minutes with a soaker hose
  Ideal for...
  • Those who want to spend plenty of time outdoors
  • Those who have plenty of space for growing
  • Anyone looking for a creative outlet
  • Someone who wants to plant an English garden
Tips for tending a small vegetable or flower garden
Published 02/19/2009

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