Choose a Sunny Location

There are four things to consider when choosing a garden spot to grow vegetables.  It needs to get full sun, drain well, be level or can be made to be level, and be near a water source. 

Because plants use energy from the sun to make fruit choose a garden spot that gets sun all day or at least 6 hours. 8 hours is even better.

I had planned to put the garden near the deck were the grass was sparse.  I didn't want to dig up the yard.  When I noticed that spot was the last place the snow melted, I realized it was shaded by the house.    

  

TIP: On a sunny day, use your phone and make a short video of your yard every hour or two. Note the time the sunlight first shines on potential garden spots and when it moves away from the area.  By the end of the day, you'll have found your perfect spot.  Vegetables need six full hours of sun but it can be collective, morning and afternoon sun.  Remember to account for nearby trees that will continue to grow and encroach on your garden light.

Our sunny spot was on the other side of the yard.  This spot drained well with no standing water.  The ground wasn't level but we were able to move dirt around and level the area.      

...and it was near a water source.

This is another idea for leveling a sunny spot is this garden by Steve and Beth Morril.     

The best garden spot may not be in the backyard like the grass by this sunny wall.  

This one step leading to our deck gets morning sun and afternoon sun, totaling more than six hours and the wicker basket drained well.  You may need to think outside the box to find a place to grow a garden. You are looking for four conditions;

• sun all day or at least 6 hours 
• well-drained soil without standing water 
• level or could be made level 
• close to a water source  

Take your time choosing a garden spot because these are the greatest factors in your garden doing well. 

  When you've found your garden spot, then it's time to choose a garden style or here to return.