So, you want to start a garden? Awesome! But before you run out and buy a bunch of seeds, let’s talk about planning your Bozeman garden—because some prep work now will save you from frustration later. Gardening in the Gallatin Valley has some extra challenges: a short growing season, unpredictable weather, and alkaline, rocky soil. But with a solid plan, you can grow a productive and beautiful garden.

Here’s what you need to know to set your garden up for success.

Choosing the Best Location for Your Garden

Before you start digging, you need to pick the right spot. An excellent garden location gets plenty of sunlight, has good drainage, and is protected from harsh wind and frost pockets.

• Measure sunlight and shade in your yard: Use a simple grid method to track how much sun different areas get throughout the day. Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
• Watch out for microclimates. Depending on nearby buildings, trees, or elevation changes, some areas in your yard might be warmer or cooler than others.
• Avoid problem spots: Avoid low-lying areas that collect frost, places with poor drainage, or spots too far from a water source.

Understanding Your Soil

Bozeman isn’t exactly known for its rich, loamy soil. Rocky ground, compacted clay, and nutrient-poor dirt are common problems. Before planting, you’ll want to test your soil and improve it if needed.

• Test your soil’s pH and nutrients – A simple soil test kit can tell you if your soil is too acidic or missing key nutrients.
• Improve poor soil – Adding compost, manure, or organic fertilizers can help build healthy, fertile soil.
• Consider raised beds – If your soil is too rocky or heavy, raised beds or containers might be a better option.

Creating a Garden Layout

Now that you know what you’re planting, it’s time to map out your garden.

• Square foot gardening: This method is great for small spaces and helps maximize yield in a limited area.
• Rows vs. raised beds: Traditional row gardens work well for large plots, while raised beds warm up faster in the spring and help with drainage.
• Vertical gardening: If you’re short on space, trellises and vertical supports can help you grow more in less room.

Planning for Frost & Weather Challenges

Bozeman’s weather is unpredictable—one day it’s sunny and warm, the next day it’s snowing (even in June!). To protect your plants:

• Use cold frames or row covers – These help plants survive chilly nights and extend the growing season.
• Watch out for hail & wind – Hailstorms and strong winds can destroy seedlings in minutes. Use floating row covers, netting, or nearby buildings for protection.
• Take advantage of warm spots – South-facing walls and patios retain heat and can be great for heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers.

Building and Setting Up Your Garden

Once you have your plan, it’s time to start building!

• Raised beds & containers: Great for improving soil quality and keeping weeds down.
• Fencing: Deer, rabbits, and other critters love fresh veggies, so a sturdy fence can save you from heartbreak.
• Irrigation & watering systems: Bozeman’s dry summers mean you’ll need to water regularly. Consider soaker hoses or drip irrigation to make your life easier.

Deciding What to Grow

Not all plants thrive in Bozeman’s short, cool summers. Choosing the right vegetables, flowers, and herbs makes a huge difference in your garden’s success.

• Stick to short-season crops – Look for vegetables that mature in under 100 days (like lettuce, radishes, peas, and carrots).
• Start warm-weather plants indoors – Tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cucumbers need a head start indoors before transplanting outside.
• Think about companion planting – Some plants grow better together (for example, basil helps tomatoes, while marigolds deter pests).

Starting Seeds Indoors vs. Direct Sowing

Some crops must be started indoors if you want a good harvest before fall arrives. Others do just fine being planted directly in the garden.

• Start indoors (8-12 weeks before last frost): Tomatoes, peppers, onions, and some flowers.
• Direct sow (once the soil warms up): Peas, carrots, radishes, and lettuce.
• Harden off seedlings: Before planting them outside, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions so they don’t go into shock.