making a backyard vegetable garden

the size you choose for your vegetable garden will be determined by the amount of available space you have in your backyard.

Orientation to sun - the plants in your garden will want to face south, and will require a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight per day, The area of maximum continuous light will likely be the best location for your garden.

          

in-ground garden beds

- easiest way to get a bed established; nothing to build

- cheaper than buying lumber for raised beds

- pathway weeds can creep into the bed

- more likely that pets and children will walk on the beds

- you have to reach further down to tend the plants

     

          

raised garden beds

- provide the best drainage and prevent soil compaction

- soil warms up more quickly in the spring

- the bed sides prevent weeds from creeping into the bed

- easier to tend the plants because the soil level is raised

- serve as a barrier to pests such as slugs and snails

- for more information, including how to build.