- Not near big trees: they shade and their roots steal water and nutrients.
- Not where water stands: roots rot; drainage matters.
- Be wary where even weeds won’t grow: the soil may be compacted or infertile.
- Mind the microclimate: walls hold heat; open ground is windier.
- Wildlife and livestock: fence out goats, poultry and rats.
- Reach of water: pick a spot that is easy to irrigate.
Site mistakes to avoid
Tree roots, poor drainage and “weed-free” patches — why to avoid them.
Related reading
Choosing your site: where to put garden and home
Flood level, water, sun and slope — what to check before you commit to a spot.
Food Freedom: a year of eating only what you grow and forage
What we can learn from Robin Greenfield’s year-long experiment.
Majors, minors and rookies: planning what to grow
Put what your family eats most first and experiments last.