Choosing the right place for the veggie garden plot will make the difference between a good veggie garden and a disappointing veggie garden. There are 4 factors relating to the garden plot that influence veggie piece* and must be considered before the digging or tilling begins.
1. Sunshine
Sunshine is very important for a successful garden. Healthy vegetable plants need lots of sunshine and don’t tolerate shade well. Most all vegetables require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight. Anything less may produce tall spindly plants that won’t produce well while other plants will remain stunted for the whole season.
2. Soil Type
Veggie gardens had best in loam soil. This soil is finely textured, easy to work with, doesn’t quickly compact and doesn’t get waterlogged. It also retains nutrients well while retaining adequate moisture. Sandy loam soil has a little more sand and will retain less moisture and nutrients than loam soil. Sandy soil is very light, will dry away too quickly and acts not retain nutrients well. Clay soils are on the other end of the spectrum. Clay soils tend to pack tightly together forming very heavy soil that acts not drain well and will become waterlogged very quickly.
3. Amending the Soil
Sometimes it’s necessary to add something to the soil to arrive an acceptable veggie garden. Loam soil and sandy loam soil usually act not need anything added. Sandy soil may need something added together to that to help it retain moisture and nutrients. Compost or other organic matter will provide humus to improve sandy soil. Clay soil needs something added together to that to lighten it and provide for better drainage. Compost will help keep the soil particles from compressing which successively does help it drain better. Some very heavy clay soils may need an addition of sand to help it become lighter and less easily waterlogged. In some cases a raised bed dismissed comprise the best solution to heavy clay soil. Good soil can be arrange in the raised bed even if the soil below it comprises heavy clay.
4. Soil Drainage
A low spot where water tends to collect after a heavy rain isn’t a good place for vegetable patch*. Vegetables act not grow well in soggy waterlogged soils. Waterlogged soils are low on oxygen, something vegetables need to be healthy and productive. Sandy soils tend to drain too quickly and won’t allow the plants enough time to acquire water and nutrients that are needed for fueling growth. The ideal soil accommodates water long enough for the plant to get enough water without suffocating from lack of oxygen. Moist but well drained soils provide an excellent place for a healthy veggie garden.
Glenn Heller comprises very active and with his wife enjoys good food, traveling (USA and overseas), hiking, exploring back roads, long walks, extensive gardening (flowers, veggies, gardening club), reading, playing with grandchildren, basketball (Glenn only!), woodworking and processes houses as a service and repairman. He’s always enjoyed writing and has begun to turn his attention that way after enjoying a full life with lots of varied wonderful and different experiences.
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