Vegetable Garden Project Management
Vegetable Garden Project Management
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Context: Personal garden project in my backyard
Responsibilities: Project management and execution
Skills Used: Project lifecycle execution, stakeholder management, risk management
In spring 2025, I set out to transform the overgrown backyard garden bed at my new home into a thriving space for growing vegetables.
A traditional project management structure was a natural fit for this initiative, as it followed a linear, waterfall-style progression. Although this personal garden bed project may not be formal in a corporate sense, it still required clear planning, coordination, and execution—making it ideal for applying classic project management practices. I’ve approached the work using standard artifacts and tools aligned with the five key phases of the project lifecycle: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closure. The project is currently in the execution and monitoring phases.
Initiation
Initiation
For the initiation phase, I created a basic project charter to define the purpose, scope, and boundaries of the project.
Project goal: Clear an overgrown garden bed and prepare it for planting a variety of vegetables.
Initial scope: Remove weeds, debris, and old roots; amend the soil; create barrier fence to protect against critters; establish a planting layout; and plant new vegetables.
Authority: As a self-directed homeowner, I had full autonomy over the project’s timeline, resources, and execution.
Constraints: A limited budget (under $75), space constraints (10x13-ft bed), seasonal planting window, limited physical labor availability, and regional growing conditions in Indiana.
The following is an initial stakeholder register for the project:
Garden Bed Project Stakeholder Register.docxPlanning
Planning
Planning activities included defining success criteria, outlining the scope, scheduling tasks, managing risks, and identifying required resources. I also established budget expectations and constraints.
Garden Project Plan.docxExecution
Execution
Currently in progress, the execution phase involves implementing all planned activities—from weed removal and soil preparation to planting and installing post-setup protections like fencing and mulch. Tasks are being carried out according to the established schedule, with flexibility for weather and other constraints. I’m managing resources carefully and leveraging support from family members when needed. Tools like Trello help me track task progress and stay organized.
Trello is useful when tracking tasks in project execution.
Monitoring and Controlling
Monitoring and Controlling
I sought free and low-cost seeds to help the project stay within budget.
As I continue execution, I’m actively monitoring progress against scope, schedule, and budget baselines. I use checklists and personal observation to ensure tasks are completed as intended and deliverables meet quality standards—such as proper plant spacing and thorough weed removal. I’m also tracking expenditures to stay within budget and adjusting plans in response to delays or resource constraints.
Closure
Closure
Once planting and setup are complete, I will close out the project by reviewing whether objectives were met and success criteria were achieved. This will include verifying task completion, finalizing how close I was to the budget, and observing early plant growth as a performance indicator. I’ll also record lessons learned to inform future gardening projects—especially since I plan to garden each year!
When I took this picture, the garden bed was about 2/3 of the way cleared of weeds.
Takeaways
Takeaways
Applying formal project management methods to this personal gardening project has helped me build confidence in project management documentation and artifact creation. While the project is still ongoing, it has already reinforced essential project management principles—and I would consider it a success so far.
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