Draw the work as well as the beds
Mark the growing space, entrances, water source, storage and where materials arrive. Trace the route used to bring in compost or carry out harvested produce. A layout can look efficient on paper while creating unnecessary journeys around narrow corners.
Use the RHS vegetable-garden planning guide for crop and site planning. Keep those growing decisions connected to how you will reach and maintain the beds.
Start with the equipment you expect to use
Record the overall dimensions and turning needs of your actual wheelbarrow, cart or proposed machine. Allow suppliers to assess machinery requirements rather than deciding a universal path width from a photograph online.
Where most work will be by hand, test reach and movement with a temporary layout before committing to permanent edging. Consider the needs of the people who will use it, not an assumed average operator.
Keep repeated journeys simple
Locate frequently used items so they can be reached without crossing growing areas unnecessarily. Think through watering, bringing in materials and removing unwanted vegetation as separate routes.
Do not place a water hose across an important access path simply because it is the shortest route on the drawing. Include storage and retrieval of temporary equipment in the plan.
Leave room for a changing plot
Consider how you could expand, alter beds or bring in a different tool without rebuilding everything. Keep permanent installations separate from temporary experiments. Starting with a manageable area can produce more useful experience than committing the whole site immediately.
Test before making it permanent
Mark the proposed layout on the ground and walk the likely tasks. Review awkward turns, carrying distances and access for deliveries. Obtain appropriate advice for structures, drainage or significant ground changes.
Explore the ground-work guides after the layout and intended method are clearer. The aim is a plot that supports regular work, rather than a drawing whose apparent efficiency depends on movements you cannot comfortably make.