The most important part of a garden is the location because it significantly impacts the health and success of the plants. You want to make sure to observe the area in all 4 seasons and whatever weather you may get. When picking a location for your garden consider the following:
- Sun
- Temperature
- Water Access
- Drainage
- Soil Quality
- Wind Exposure
- Access and Convenience
Sunlight is crucial for plant growth. Different plants have varying sunlight requirements, and the location of your garden will determine how much sunlight it receives. In 95% of locations, you want a full 8-12 hours of sun. The exceptions are desert places, including high desert climates, where too much sun can be detrimental. A sunny location is ideal for most vegetable and flowering plants, but some shade-tolerant species may thrive in shadier spots. The direction of the sunlight will affect what you plant where.
For my garden, my raised beds have two sections, one is full sun and gets 12 hours a day peaking to 8 hours in winter. The other section gets about 6 hours because it gets shaded out by trees. My big market garden is full sun for 12 hours with the south end getting about 8 in the fall due to trees across the street. Since we don’t own the land, there isn’t much we can do about that.
There are a few reasons why having full sun is important. First, many common fruits and vegetables require a certain amount of sun hours for optimum yields.
If you have a choice, make sure you get maximum sunlight. For my raised beds, we tore out big ornamental bushes and a tree. For me, it was 100% worth sacrificing ornamental landscaping for a full-sunlight garden. A good example, in my garden last year I planted green beans in my raised beds that get shaded out by trees. This year I planted the same varieties in my full sun market garden and our harvest almost tripled. Sunlight makes a difference.
The next reason is plants in full sun dry off faster. This is especially important if you live in areas that get a lot of rain over the summer. Why is it so important? Well, most fungal diseases need moisture on the leaves in order to spread. If there is less moisture on the surface of the leaves, there is less chance of it spreading.
The climate and microclimate of the garden’s location can affect the types of plants that can be grown. Some plants are better suited to hot, arid conditions, while others thrive in cooler, more temperate climates. Understanding the temperature range of your garden’s location is essential for plant selection.
What should I look for?
Sunlight: I know this I have already mentioned sunlight but that is just how important it truly is in the garden. Note areas of direct sunlight and shade throughout the day. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial or full shade. Understanding the sunlight patterns in your garden allows you to match plants with their ideal light requirements.
Temperature: Temperature variations occur in different parts of your garden. Low-lying areas may be cooler, while elevated spots might be warmer. Monitor temperature fluctuations during the day and night to identify potential frost pockets or heat traps.
Wind: Observe the direction and intensity of prevailing winds. Wind can affect temperature, humidity, and plant health. Some plants may be more sensitive to wind, so consider windbreaks or strategic plant placement to provide protection.
Moisture: Evaluate soil moisture levels in various areas of your garden. Some spots may drain quickly and dry out faster, while others may retain moisture. Adjust irrigation accordingly and choose plants that match the moisture levels in each microclimate.
Topography: The slope and elevation of your garden can influence water drainage, temperature, and exposure to sunlight. Areas with different slopes may have varying microclimates, affecting plant growth.
Structures and Hardscapes: Buildings, walls, and other structures can create microclimates by blocking or reflecting sunlight, creating pockets of warmth or shade. Hardscapes like concrete or stone surfaces can absorb and radiate heat.
Microorganisms and Wildlife: The presence of beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife can also indicate healthy microclimates. Certain plants may attract specific beneficial organisms that contribute to the overall well-being of your garden.
Seasonal Changes: Microclimates can change with the seasons. For example, a spot that receives plenty of sunlight in the summer might be shaded by deciduous trees in the winter. Consider these seasonal variations when planning your garden.
Having access to water is important for obvious reasons. Plants need water to survive. If you live in areas that do not get a lot of rain it’s even more important. If your water is piped in from the city it can get very expensive very quickly. I know my parent’s water bill in California can get extremely high. You may want to look into alternative ways to irrigate your garden. If your area allows it, a rainwater catchment system may be an option. It works by saving rainwater in barrels to water your garden with. Another option is setting up your home to separate out your gray water, from your shower, sinks, and washing machine, to use as irrigation. As long as you use biodegradable soaps, the water is perfectly safe for your plants.
For my garden, we are on a well. According to the well guy, when we got our well pump replaced this summer, our well flow rate was 10 gallons a minute with a recharge rate of 15 gallons per minute. So theoretically we should never run out of water. Our biggest hurdle for water access is we have zero spigots that are not attached to our house. So as of now, we have hoses running from our house to all our irrigation spots. Side note: our well pump was installed in 1986. That means it was 37 years old, older than me, before it went out which I thought was incredible. He said that the old pump was completely made here in Ohio. The new one has parts made in China, which he said don’t seem to last as long, so not to count on an almost 40-year replacement. Just in case anyone out there is about to have their pump replaced.
Proper drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot. The garden’s location should allow excess water to drain away rather than pooling around the plants. Poor drainage can also increase the likelihood of soil diseases affecting your plants. Raised beds generally drain better than beds in the ground. My Market garden is on a pretty good incline. We elevate the bed from the walkways, giving excess water a natural way to drain out going downhill.
Drainage will also affect what kind of irrigation you will use. I’ll have an entire post on irrigation selection soon.
Soil Quality can be built up at any location. It is important to know what you are working with when you start. Getting your soil tested will assist you in making any amendments you may need in order to have successful plant growth and yields.
To find a company to test your soil, I recommended calling your local extension office. Even if they do not do the testing there, they will be able to give you some suggestions. My extension office doesn’t do them but they recommended a local lab in the area. All I had to do was drop the sample off, fill out a form of what I wanted tested and they sent it with their samples. It was $18.00 total. It was a lot more affordable than some of the more popular companies with kits. So check that out before you spend 60+ dollars on a kit.
One thing you want to stay away from is a location that has used herbicides in the past three years. Waiting at least three years to plant a garden in an area where herbicides have been used is essential for the following reasons:
- Herbicide Residue Breakdown: To allow time for the natural breakdown of herbicide residues in the soil, reducing the risk to new plants.
- Soil Health Restoration: To promote the recovery of soil health, including microbial populations and nutrient balance.
- Avoiding Crop Damage: To prevent harm to garden crops that may be sensitive to herbicides.
- Compliance with Label Instructions: To adhere to specific waiting period recommendations on herbicide labels.
- Environmental Considerations: To minimize the potential leaching of herbicides into groundwater or their dispersal into the environment.
The location of your garden should be easily accessible for planting, maintenance, and harvesting. Consider the convenience of watering, weeding, and other garden tasks when choosing a location. In the late fall, winter, and early spring, it really stinks having to travel long distances to get your tools, then to the garden, and then back to your seedlings, especially if there is still snow on the ground. In the peak season, having to carry lugs of potatoes, carrots, and other harvested vegetables long distances is also a hassle. If you can get everything else on the list and have it close to your house, Your garden is definitely going places.
Now that you have figured out the location comes the fun part. Designing a layout. Check that out in Part 2.
