Zones & Layout
Create zones for your garden spaces, set sun exposure and constraints, and assign plants to specific locations.
Zones are the physical spaces in your garden — raised beds, planters, in-ground rows, patio pots, or any distinct growing area.
Why zones matter
Zones help you:
- Track what's where — Know exactly which bed has your tomatoes
- Record conditions — Sun exposure, soil type, and known problems per location
- Plan rotations — See what was in each zone last year
- Set constraints — "No squash in back bed" prevents repeating mistakes
Creating a zone
- On the Plan page, click Add Zone in the center column
- Fill in the details:
| Field | What it captures | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name | A recognizable label | "Back Raised Bed" |
| Sun Exposure | How much sun it gets | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
| Dimensions | Rough size | "4x8 ft" |
| Soil Type | What's in there | "Amended clay", "Container mix" |
| Constraints | Known issues or rules | "Squash borers 2024", "Too shady for peppers" |
| Description | Any other notes | "Built in 2023, cedar, drip irrigation" |
Assigning plants to zones
On the Plan page, each zone appears as a zone card showing all the plantings in that space.
To add a plant to a zone:
- Click the + button on the zone card
- Search for or create a plant
- Set how many you're planting
- The plant appears in the zone card with its status
Zone cards
Zone cards are the primary view on the Plan page. Each card shows:
- Zone name and sun exposure
- All active plantings with status circles
- Quick access to log entries
- Support assignments (trellises, cages)
Plantings show their full name — "Cherokee Purple Tomato", not just "Tomato" — so you can distinguish varieties at a glance.
Supports in zones
Some zones have fixed infrastructure — a permanent trellis, a fence for vining plants, or a built-in arch. These are attached to the zone rather than individual plantings.
Portable supports (cages, stakes) are assigned to specific plantings within a zone.
See Supports for more detail.
Tips for organizing zones
- Name zones descriptively — "Back Bed by Fence" is better than "Bed 1"
- Record constraints — If something failed in a zone, note it so you avoid repeating the mistake
- Keep it simple — You don't need a zone for every single pot. Group similar containers.
- Update sun exposure — As trees grow or structures change, sun patterns shift. Update zones to match.
Frequently asked questions
How should I name my garden zones?
Name zones descriptively — "Back Bed by Fence" is better than "Bed 1." You want names you'll recognize when planning next season.
What are zone constraints?
Notes about known problems or rules for a zone, like "squash borers 2024" or "too shady for peppers." They accumulate lessons learned and prevent repeating mistakes.
Can I track crop rotation?
Yes. Plantings are tied to zones and seasons, so you build location history over time. This history is visible during planning to inform rotation decisions.
Related
- Getting started — First-time setup
- Supports — Managing trellises, cages, and stakes
- Planning your season — Assigning plants to zones during planning