Pick a vegetable garden site that has adequate sunlight and drainage as well as easy access to a water source.

Growing your own vegetables is a satisfying experience on many levels.

Watching plants grow, from seed germination through harvest, is rewarding. Eating fresh, clean vegetables guarantees family enjoyment of cooking and serving what you have grown.

Prior to planting a vegetable garden, select the site that supports the vegetables’ best growth and yield.

Identify a site that is conveniently located to where you will tend the garden. Growing vegetables requires monitoring the plants for growth and pests, watering as needed, weeding unwanted plants and cultivating the soil. Garden sites that are remote or not easily accessible may fall into neglect.  

Evaluate the site for adequate sunlight exposure.   Most vegetables require a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting vegetables under a shade tree or in the shade of buildings may result in stunted growth and poor yield. Observe the sun’s movement across the proposed vegetable garden site to determine if there is enough sunlight to sustain plant growth.

Check the site for sufficient drainage. Avoid sites that exhibit standing water after rain events, as plant roots will rot if drainage is not adequate.

Assure the presence of a water source in close proximity to the garden site. Examples of water sources are creeks or streams on personal property, wells, faucets and rain barrels.  The greater the distance from a water supply, the less likely you will water the garden. Use due diligence in keeping the garden watered, especially during dry spells.

Once you decide on an accessible site that has sunlight and a water source, obtain a soil sample for testing.

Soil has a mixture of clay, sand, and loam; soil should have at least two feet of depth to any underlying stone, shale, or other impervious surfaces such as old roadways or building foundations. 

Penn State Extension has information on obtaining soil samples and testing at https://extension.psu.edu/soil-testing.

Once you decide on a vegetable garden site, determine the size of the garden.

Size is based on the number and variety of crops, intensity of labor, and associated costs. Costs include the price of plants and seeds, seed-starting items (grow lights, soil medium, trays), soil testing and amending, water (if metered) and garden amenities (trellises, tomato cages, deer netting, stakes, etc. ).

Selecting the best site for growing a vegetable garden is crucial to the success of your endeavors.

Planning ahead saves time and prevents disappointment with an underachieving garden.

If you have questions about vegetable gardening, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.

Michael Pavelek III is a Butler County Master Gardener.