IT'S ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME TO PLAN YOUR GARDEN.

Byline: Jane Gates Special to the Daily News

SANTA CLARITA - Although the planting season is in full swing, I can't overestimate the importance of taking the time for plans and preparation.

The best time to do these are in the winter months, but sometimes it's hard to think about gardening at that time. Although shopping and planting are some of the more fun aspects of gardening, these can lose their allure when the results are not successful.

Like most things, we tend to think that preparation is the most tedious aspect of any job. Planning your garden can actually be enjoyable. And you can continue with planning in any season.

Preparing tends to be a lot of physical work, however you look at it, but it will save time, money, disappointment and frustration in the future. It is also a more satisfying workout than going nowhere on a treadmill or counting weight-lifting repetitions.

The best way to plan your garden is to look at the full overview and break the garden down in sections. If you already have an established garden, look at how one area relates to the next.

Are gardens strategically placed? Are frequently used areas easily accessible? Are play areas visible, convenient and safe? Do you have a space for yourself to relax in or to work on a favorite hobby? Is there a design that flows and enhances the view from the windows of the house? Are you using your watering economically and wisely? Is your garden an asset to your home or a liability? Is it attractive to look at or just a storage area? Does it produce flowers or edibles or is it a haven for pests? The list can go on and on.

If you feel a little advice might be in order, call in a consultant or designer. Whatever you pay will save you at least double in the long run. If you have a lot to change, keep in mind the whole garden overview and work on one little area at a time. Working one step at a time keeps the job from feeling overwhelming and you can enjoy a sense of accomplishment for each area you finish.

If you prepare (or redo) any garden area carefully, it will endure for years, giving you more time for the fun stuff. Dig in amendments appropriate to your soil. If you aren't sure, you're always safe with lots of compost (unless you have a native or cactus/succulent garden, in which case no amendments are necessary).

Most soils in the Santa Clarita area are lean in organic material. Even if you do not see gophers, assume you have them or will have them in the future and line vegetable gardens with hardware cloth or chicken wire. Surround favorite plants and all bulbs with this wire protection when you plant them. Address dry areas and areas of standing water. Good drainage is paramount to success. A little planning and preparation can save you an enormous amount of time, work and money.

Read books, talk with experts and learn whatever you can about making sure your garden is well-designed and -prepared. You will be able to spend much more time planting and reaping the rewards instead of fighting with pests, redoing work you already did that failed or wondering why something that should have grown well, didn't. Like all jobs, laying a good foundation is the best way to support success.