what to know before starting a garden

Before you buy a single seed packet, the most critical decision you’ll make is where to place your garden. The right spot can mean the difference between a bountiful harvest and a disappointing struggle. Here’s how to play real estate agent in your own backyard. Nearly all vegetables and most flowering plants are sun-worshippers. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to photosynthesize effectively, produce fruit, and flourish. Less than that, and you’ll likely end up with spindly plants and a meager harvest. To find your sunniest spots, become a sun-mapper for a day. Observe your yard at different times: morning (9 am), noon, and late afternoon (4 pm). Note which areas receive direct, unfiltered sunlight and for how long. Remember that the sun’s path changes with the seasons, so what’s sunny in April might be shadier in July when leafy trees are in full canopy. An ideal spot will have full morning sun and perhaps a little protection from the scorching late afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates.