Best layout for my garden

Question: See the attached layout of my garden beds. How would you recommend we lay out our plants?

If you can test our soil or recommend where to do that?  We have used wood chips as a ground cover and add more after they decompose. We will add fertilizer when we water. 

If you have any recommendations for any local help with maintaining during the season that would be appreciated as well. 

We will be planting:
1. Tomatoes
2. Cucumbers
3. Bell peppers
4. Beans
5. Lettuce
6. Carrots
7. Peas
8. Squash
9. Zucchini
10. Onions
11. Corn
13. Broccoli
14. Cauliflower
16. Kale
17. Brussels sprouts
20. Beets
21. Potatoes
22. Sweet potatoes
23. Garlic
24. Asparagus
26. Okra

I have more pictures I can send if needed. 

Thank you for this incredible service, we are so grateful for you sharing your expertise!

Kevin & Sarah Gilles

responder: Mary Beth B.  Replied April 04, 2023, 5:19 PM EDT
response: Hi there ...  Did you get my earlier response? I'm afraid I might have hit the wrong button and never sent it to you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 04, 2023, 6:42 PM EDT
response: I did not receive your earlier response. Sorry! On Tue, Apr 4, 2023 at 5:19 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Mary Beth B.  Replied April 04, 2023, 7:47 PM EDT
response: I was afraid of that! Let me try again ...  There is not one right way to design a garden, and I'm afraid that creating a planting plan for yours is beyond what I'm able to do. However, I'm happy to give your some pointers and resources to help to create a plan.  Probably the most basic thing is to make sure your plants get enough sun. In general, position the taller plants on the north side so they don't shade the shorter plans. There are some exceptions: plants such as lettuce, spinach and kale can tolerate more shade.  I see you're planning to plant corn. That does best if it's planted in a block at least 4 feet wide and 4 rows deep. That's because corn is wind-pollinated. If you grow only a few plants or fewer rows, the developing ears probably won't get enough pollen to develop fully unless you hand-pollinate.  Many gardeners group plants from the same family together. That makes it easier to rotate crops from year to year -- that is, move the plant families around -- so the soil doesn't get depleted of certain nutrients and diseases and pests don't become overwhelming. Penn State has a good fact sheet on crop rotation at https://extension.psu.edu/plant-rotation-in-the-garden-based-on-plant-families .  Another approach is to use companion planting, which means grouping two or more mutually beneficial plants together. The best example of this is what's know as the Three Sisters -- beans, corn and squash. Here's some information on companion planting from the University of Minnesota Extension: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/companion-planting-home-gardens .  You might also consider grouping early maturing plants together. That way, you can remove the plants after harvest and plant something else that matures later in the season.  For more info, check out this garden planning publication from Ohio State: https://wayne.osu.edu/sites/wayne/files/imce/Program_Pages/ANR/Garden/Planning%20and%20Planting%20%20the%20Garden.pdf .   The Extension also sells a bulletin on vegetable gardening that could be very helpful. You can order it for $10 at https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/grow-your-own-vegetables/ .  As for soil testing, the Extension does not provide that service, but it has a very informative fact sheet that includes a list of labs you can use. The fact sheet is at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132 .  I'm not sure I understand your questions about local help with maintaining the garden. I don't know where you live in Ohio, but the extension office that serves your county should be able to give you advice on issues that may arise.   You are wise to put some effort into planning your garden before you plant, but let me encourage you not to let the process overwhelm you. Gardeners learn a lot from their mistakes! Just do your best, and if something doesn't work well, you can make improvements next year.  Good luck to you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 05, 2023, 7:10 AM EDT
response: This is great, thank you so much! I will review your links and discuss with my wife. We live in a suburb of Cincinnati, Amberley Village in Hamilton County. My wife and I enjoy gardening and both have small businesses so as much as we enjoy gardening, I want to make connections with others in my area who may be able to help maintain the garden if it becomes too much to handle between us. I am so grateful for your response and look forward to reviewing all these sites and planning with my wife. If we have any other questions after we review, is it possible to email those to you?Thanks again! Kevin On Tue, Apr 4, 2023 at 7:47 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Mary Beth B.  Replied April 05, 2023, 3:58 PM EDT
response: Sure, you're welcome to email me. I'm not entirely sure if long-term conversations remain open on this site, but if the email doesn't come directly to me, I'm sure the Master Gardener who receives it will be happy to help!