Home Gardening Prep: Site Selection, Soil Testing & Garden Mapping

Before the first seed hits soil, three decisions shape your garden's destiny. Get them right.

1. Site Selection: Sun, Drainage, Water

Sun: 6–8+ hours for vegetables; match ornamentals to their needs. Track shadows across seasons.
Drainage: No standing water. Test: dig 12" hole, fill with water. Drains in <4 hrs = good. Slow? Raised beds or French drain.
Water access: Hose reach, rain barrel, or drip system. Hauling water kills enthusiasm.

2. Soil Testing: Know Before You Grow

Extension lab test ($15–25) reveals pH, nutrients, organic matter, texture, and exact amendment rates. Don't guess—precision saves money and prevents harm. Retest every 2–3 years.

3. Garden Mapping: Visualize & Optimize

Sketch to scale. Block beds (3–4' wide), paths (2'), water source, compost bin, tool storage. Plan crop rotation zones. Order seeds early—popular varieties sell out.

Start Small, Succeed Big

100 sq ft feeds two people. Master it. Expand with confidence. The best garden is the one you actually tend.