The Art of Site Selection

Choosing the right location is crucial - it's the foundation of successful gardening. When I first started gardening, I knew nothing about this and randomly picked a spot in my backyard. I was too excited to notice that the area was in a depression that collected water whenever it rained. The results were predictably disastrous, with my first year's harvest being a complete waste of effort.

Sunlight exposure is undoubtedly the most important factor in site selection. Most vegetables and flowers need abundant sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Therefore, it's essential to choose south-facing areas. This isn't difficult to determine - just use your phone to track sunlight patterns in different areas of your yard on a sunny day. Check at 8 AM, noon, and 4 PM, and you'll easily identify the spots with the most sunlight. That's how I found my backyard's "sweet spot," which now makes my neighbors envious during harvest season.

Water access is another crucial consideration that shouldn't be overlooked. I've seen many people choose excellent planting locations that were too far from water sources, forcing them to lug long hoses or carry heavy water buckets back and forth until exhaustion. In my opinion, it's better to solve this problem from the start. For instance, when planning my garden, I decided to install an automatic irrigation system. While the initial investment was higher, the time and energy saved have been absolutely worth it. Now I just set the watering schedule, and the system works automatically - I don't even worry about the garden when traveling.

Terrain is also a major consideration. It's best to choose a slightly sloped area so rainwater won't pool. My garden plot is on slightly elevated ground, allowing excess rainwater to drain quickly. If your terrain isn't ideal, don't worry - you can improve it by building up soil or digging drainage ditches.

A commonly overlooked issue is the surrounding environment. Check for nearby trees whose root systems might affect your garden. My neighbor learned this the hard way - her garden was next to a large locust tree, and nothing would grow well because the tree roots were stealing all the nutrients. Also, consider whether shadows from tall buildings might affect plant growth.

When selecting a site, also consider maintenance convenience. The garden shouldn't be too large - it should match your available time and energy. I recommend beginners start with 30-50 square meters, which is manageable while still producing a good amount. You can always expand later once you're more comfortable with gardening.

Soil Preparation

Honestly, soil is the lifeblood of plants. My plot was originally wasteland with terrible soil quality - hard as cement, where even weeds struggled to grow. After two years of improvement, the soil is now dark and loose, moist to the touch, able to form a ball when squeezed but easily crumbling - perfect for planting.

To improve soil, you first need to understand its condition. Soil testing meters are now available online for just a few dollars and can measure pH, moisture, light, and more. I highly recommend getting one - it's very practical. When I first tested my soil, I was shocked to find a pH of only 5.5, clearly acidic. After research, I learned that most vegetables prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with an ideal pH between 6.5-7.0. It took about half a year of adding lime to adjust the soil to the ideal state.

Composting is the ultimate weapon in soil improvement. Many people don't realize that everyday kitchen waste makes excellent composting material. Vegetable leaves, fruit peels, coffee grounds, even tea leaves can be used. I set up a dedicated compost bin in my backyard, where I sort these organic wastes, turn them occasionally, and maintain proper moisture. In about six months, they transform into rich, fragrant organic fertilizer. This natural fertilizer not only improves soil structure but also provides abundant nutrients for plants - and it's completely free!

Soil aeration is also crucial. If soil is too compact, plant roots can't grow properly. My soil was originally very dense, but I now add vermiculite and perlite annually to make it looser. Now my soil is easily turned with a shovel, requiring minimal effort.

Here's a tip: adding coarse sand while turning the soil can improve drainage. I did this in my first year with notable results. Now I never worry about water pooling after rain, and plant roots won't rot from excessive moisture.

Regarding soil turning, it's best to start preparing a month before planting. First, clear all weeds, then deep-turn the soil to at least 30 centimeters. Break up soil clumps and mix in compost, lime, and vermiculite. After about two weeks, turn the soil again to ensure the added materials are evenly mixed.

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