Zoning: The Key to a Low-Maintenance Garden

When people ask me why certain plants in their garden never thrive, I usually start by asking one question:

“Are they in the right zone?”

Zoning is one of the most overlooked principles in home gardening—and one of the most powerful. It’s about placing the right plants in the right places, not just based on sun and soil, but also on how you use your space.

Think about your own garden. Some areas are:

• Baked in morning sun
• Damp and shady
• Sheltered from wind
• Constantly exposed
• Right by the back door
• Practically untouched for months

If you can understand those microclimates and match plants accordingly, your garden becomes more productive, easier to manage, and far more enjoyable to use.

Zoning also takes into account how you move through the space. For example:

• Herbs near the kitchen door = used daily
• Soft fruit close to the patio = picked more often
• Slow-growing trees in corners = low maintenance, high return
• Wind-sensitive crops = tucked behind a shed or fence

This is exactly the kind of thinking behind my Accurate Garden Plan course. It helps you design a layout that works for your life, not just your plant wishlist. A good plan means less work, fewer mistakes, and a garden that gets better every year.