Choosing a Garden Site: Gardening Basics Series #1

So  you want to garden?  Not sure where to begin?  This will be a series of posts with simple steps to establishing a garden.  Each post will focus on one topic and if you follow these steps you will be prepared to garden this spring.

Choosing your garden site

• Gardens do best when they get 6-8 hours of sunlight.  Late afternoon shade is fine. Visit different sites on your property at different times of the day.
• Consider a site with protection from the wind whether from natural wind breaks or a fence.
• You need easy access to water in the garden.  Plan on putting a water spigot in the garden.
• Choose a site close to your house with easy access.  Nobody likes to hike to the garden.
• Avoid micro climates... planting in a low spot where cold air sinks or where too much reflective sunlight exists from a  solid concrete fence, windows, or nearby structures
• Avoid any area with heavy clay or poor water drainage which is a sign of clay.  If water pools and drains slowly after a rain avoid these areas. 
• Pick a place where you can visually see your garden from the house and will be able to enjoy it
• Since you just might love gardening, choose an area that can be expanded.
• Consider what you want to grow.  Most crops do better in raised beds.  Raised beds make garden chores easier and gardening more rewarding.  Crops that do well plantied in field situation are corn, potatoes, melons, and pumpkins however raised beds can also be used for these crops.  Considering what you want to grow will help you determine the size of your garden.

• If deer or rabbits are a problem in your area consider a fence. Be sure to plan on a gate that is wide enough for a wheel barrow or tractor.  A 7 or 8 foot fence is needed to keep deer out with rabbit fencing 4 feet up.  This will be your biggest expense.

Ok this seems easy enough.  Your assignment or challenge is to 

• Choose a site and  review the list above to be sure you have thought of everything
• Determine the size of your garden. Most raised beds are 4x8 or 3x8, you need walking paths wide enough for a wheel barrow, a bench or work area, and consider a sitting area to enjoy the garden.  Another consideration is putting a garden shed in the garden to store supplies.
• Make a plan to get water to the site 
• Fence the garden to control the local wildlife

I would love to hear your questions and about your progress.