Need plant suggestions for new garden bed

Samara1

Below Garden bed is just finished. This is my first time using garden bed.

What kind of plants (Veg, Fruit and Flower) I can plan on this L shaped Garden bed.

How much distance and gaps needs to be maintained between diff plants.

Appreciate your suggestions on planning. I visited bunnings but it looks overwhelming and cannot decide which one to go for 😊

EricL

Hello @Samara1 

An L-shaped garden bed is a fantastic opportunity to grow a mix of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. At Bunnings, you’ll find plenty of beginner-friendly options that are easy to grow and rewarding. For vegetables, consider planting lettuce, spinach, or bush beans, which are quick-growing and thrive in most conditions. 

For fruits, strawberries are an excellent choice as they don’t require much space and are perfect for beginner gardeners. When it comes to flowers, marigolds or petunias can brighten up your garden and are easy to care for, while also attracting beneficial insects like bees and deterring pests.

To plan your garden bed, ensure you allow enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding and encourage healthy growth. Vegetables like lettuce and spinach can be spaced about 20–30 cm apart, while bush beans need 30–40 cm. For strawberries, plant them around 30 cm apart. Flowers like marigolds can be spaced 20–30 cm apart depending on the variety. 

If you plan to grow taller plants like tomatoes or sunflowers, place them at the back or along the longer side of the L-shape to prevent them from shading smaller plants.

When choosing your plants, think about the sunlight in your garden bed. Most veggies and fruits prefer full sun, while some flowers like impatiens thrive in partial shade. Group plants with similar needs for water, sunlight, and soil type together to make maintenance easier. 

Starting small with just a few varieties can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and give you time to learn how your garden develops over the season. If you’re still unsure, the friendly staff at the store are always happy to guide you based on your local conditions.

I also suggest having a quick look at this discussion - No-dig garden bed for edibles by @mich1972. I always find it so inspirational to see so much produce in a such a small area.

Here are some other beginner friendly vegetable options: 

1. Carrots – They thrive in deep, loose soil and require spacing of about 5–7 cm between plants.
    
2. Radishes – Quick to grow and perfect for filling gaps, space them about 5 cm apart.
    
3. Zucchini – Requires more room, about 60–90 cm per plant, but it’s highly productive.
    
4. Capsicum (bell peppers) – Space about 40–50 cm apart and enjoy a colorful harvest.
    
5. Beetroot – Space the seedlings 10–15 cm apart for plump, sweet beets.
    
6. Spring onions – A compact option that grows quickly; space 2–3 cm apart.
    
7. Cucumbers – Best trained on a trellis to save space, with about 30–40 cm between plants.
    
8. Kale – A hardy option that thrives in cooler months, needing 40–50 cm spacing.
    
9. Snow peas – Another climber that loves a trellis; plant seeds about 5–10 cm apart.
    
10. Broccoli – A nutrient-rich veggie that needs 40–50 cm between plants for growth.
     

Make sure to check the seed packets or plant tags for specific spacing and care instructions, as they can vary slightly depending on the variety. By mixing up root vegetables, leafy greens, and climbing plants, you’ll make the most of your space and create a thriving garden.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric