Observe the conditions you have, then choose crops that fit.
Make a simple site map
Sketch the boundaries of your space and mark buildings, fences, taps, and trees. You do not need a scale drawing to start. Label the areas you can easily reach and any spots where water collects. A garden needs to fit everyday movement as well as the best-looking corner of the yard.
Count direct sun
On a clear day, check the site at regular intervals and note whether sunlight is directly reaching it. Bright shade is different from direct sun. Use several observations rather than one photograph. A summer observation does not describe the entire year: nearby trees leaf out and the sun follows a different path as seasons change.
- Record the observation date.
- Mark sunny and shaded areas at each check.
- Repeat when seasonal shade changes.
Follow the water
Visit after rain and note where puddles persist. Check whether runoff from a roof or path enters the bed. A raised bed is not a complete fix for a poorly draining site, and containers still need unobstructed drainage holes. If the ground has a history of contamination or unknown fill, seek local soil-testing advice before growing food there.
Choose a place you will visit
Try walking to the proposed bed with a watering can. Can you reach it safely? Can you harvest without stepping into the growing soil? A location that saves a few daily minutes makes care easier. Save your observations with your plan so next season starts with evidence rather than memory.
Put one idea to work.
Choose one decision from this guide and add it to your garden plan. Our free tool can help with the next step.
Open the planning tool ↗Sources & further reading
These extension resources support the growing principles in this guide. Our examples and planning suggestions are editorial explanations. Local recommendations take priority where conditions differ.
Reviewed September 26, 2026. Read our editorial approach.
