For a beginner, the decision of where to place a backyard garden is the most critical choice you’ll make. The location will determine your garden’s success more than almost any other factor. A well-chosen spot can make gardening feel easy and rewarding, while a poor one can lead to a season of frustration and disappointing results.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose how to create a food garden at home.
The #1 Rule: Follow the Sun
The single most important factor for a successful vegetable garden is sunlight. Vegetables need sunlight to perform photosynthesis, the process that provides them with energy to grow and produce food.
- The Magic Number: Most vegetables, especially fruiting plants like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach can tolerate a bit less, but they still need several hours of sun.
- Observe Your Yard: Before you start digging, spend a day observing your yard. Go outside every few hours from morning until evening and note where the sun is hitting. You might find that a spot that looks sunny in the morning is completely shaded by your house or a large tree in the afternoon. Since it’s currently early August, the sun’s path is well-defined, making this the perfect time to scout for a good location.
Beyond the Sun: Other Key Factors
Once you’ve found the sunniest spot, consider these other factors before you commit.
- Water Access: Gardening requires consistent watering, especially during the warm summer months. Choose a location that is close to a water source. Having your garden right next to an outdoor tap will make watering a quick and simple task, and you’ll be more likely to do it consistently.
- Good Drainage: Plants don’t like to sit in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. Good drainage is essential. If a section of your yard tends to stay wet for a long time after it rains, it’s not a good spot for a garden. You can test for drainage by digging a small hole, filling it with water, and seeing how long it takes to drain.
- Wind Protection: Strong, consistent winds can damage delicate plants, break stems, and dry out the soil quickly. If your best sunny spot is very exposed to the wind, consider a windbreak. A fence, a hedge, or even a trellis with climbing plants can provide a great deal of protection.
- Flat or Gently Sloping Ground: While you can garden on a hill, it’s easier for a beginner to choose a flat spot. This prevents rainwater from washing away your precious topsoil and seeds.
A Simple Exercise for Beginners
Take a notebook and a pen and spend a day mapping your yard.
- Draw a basic sketch of your backyard, including your house, trees, and other major features.
- Every two hours, make a note of where the sun is and mark the sunniest spots.
- Mark the location of your outdoor tap.
- Note any areas that tend to be soggy or exposed to strong winds.
After a day of observation, you will have a clear map of your backyard’s microclimates. The ideal spot will be the one that gets the most sun, is close to a water source, and has good drainage. A little bit of planning at the beginning will pay off with a big, healthy harvest at the end of the season.
