Identification

• Circle gardens embrace a type of gardening style in which a horseshoe-shaped or semicircular vegetable garden is created, in order to optimize growing space and make the most of the space available.
  
  

Advantages

• When planted in the circular style, gardens maximize growing space. Also, if the garden is designed and planted properly, it can create its own greenhouse effect. Position the garden so it is facing south and plant tall vegetable plants on the perimeter of the garden. By doing this, a heat trap will be created in the inner garden, allowing for the retention of warm air overnight during the spring and fall. This practice promotes the growth of long-season vegetables, like peppers and eggplant.
  
  

Design

• The optimal size for most circle vegetable gardens is between 8 and 12 feet in diameter. Determine the ideal space for your garden, and mark out a circle or horse-shoe shape using these dimensions. Decide where the most logical access point to the garden will be, and block in a one-foot-wide path to the center of the circle. At the center of the circle, create a small inner space about 18 to 24 inches in diameter. This will be the space that you use during garden-tending, so make sure it is big enough for you to feel comfortable in, and has enough room for your gardening equipment. Once the design for the garden has been laid, begin breaking up the topsoil and supplementing with soil-enriching additives.
  
  

Planting

• It is usually best to plant a circle vegetable garden in three rows, with the lowest growing plants, such as lettuce or herbs, closest to the walkway. Crops that require tending but don't need daily attention, such as beans and peppers, should be planted in the second row. Finally, the outer row should be planted with items that are only harvested once per year, like cauliflower, sunflowers or sweet corn.
  
  

Mandala Gardens

• Mandala gardens are a popular type of garden in which a centrally located circular garden is surrounded by smaller circular gardens. There is typically only enough space between the gardens for a small wheelbarrow to pass through.