In this jam-packed episode of The Messed Up Gardener, your host Esther Williams dives into one of the most powerful (but often overlooked) keys to garden success: smart layout planning. Whether you're growing in raised beds, digging straight into the soil, or using pots and containers, how you arrange your veggie garden can make all the difference between a thriving harvest and a frustrating flop.

Esther unpacks six essential elements to help you plan your most functional, productive, and beautiful garden yet:

• Garden Bed Types – Raised beds, in-ground, and containers: what's best for you?
• Spacing & Companion Planting – How to avoid overcrowding and boost plant health with smart pairings.
• Crop Rotation Basics – Simple rotation strategies to keep your soil thriving and disease-free.
• Sun Orientation & Shade Strategy – Where to place tall crops and how to create your own garden microclimate.
• Accessibility & Pathways – Designing with comfort and efficiency in mind, from hose reach to wheelbarrow access.
• Aesthetic & Emotional Flow – Creating a garden that brings you peace, joy, and beauty—every time you step into it.

You’ll also hear a quick update on the mushroom room, homeschooling garden kits in development, and some exciting behind-the-scenes happenings in Esther’s ever-expanding business space.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to refine your setup, this episode will help you maximize your space, minimize stress, and fall in love with your garden layout.

🌿 Mentioned in this episode:

• Mushroom Growing Kits for schools & homeschoolers (get in touch if you're keen!)
• Instagram: @themessedupgardener

🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.

🎧 Press play and let’s grow smarter, not harder.

 Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams

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The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms 

Or Grab 

·      A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   

Freebies: Grab the 

-         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden 

-         https://stan.store/EstherA 

-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.