Grow It Eat It: Maryland's Food Gardening Network

Step 2 - Selecting a Site

Beginning gardeners with an average-sized family won't need a lot of space. An area 50 - 75 feet square should be adequate. Be careful not to start with too large a space; it is easy to "bite off more than you can chew."

Whether in the ground or in containers on the deck, patio, or balcony ... there are five factors to consider in selecting a garden site.

Your garden should be on level ground in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of full sun a day (preferably more) with no tall objects or trees blocking sunlight on the south side.

A terraced garden is a good alternative on a slope.

Avoid sites that border trees and shrubs. They may block sunlight and their root systems will interfere with your new vegetable garden.
Make sure you have access to every part of your garden: include paths.
Easy access to water is essential.
Know your local animal population and fence as needed.

A groundhog getting ready to visit a container
garden.

Measuring tools are essential to lay out a garden.

Use wooden stakes, hammer, measuring tape and string to lay out your garden plot and individual beds or rows.

Be sure to include pathways between rows and beds.

Next - Step 3 - Prepare your soil

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For more information, contact Jon Traunfeld

Last updated: 01/21/2011