Garden Site Survey: Walking a Lot to Note Light, Water and Access
A garden site survey records sun, water, soil plus access before you build anything. Extension guides suggest watching a site over time.
The short answer
Maryland Extension says a vegetable garden needs at least 6 hours of full sun on level ground. UC ANR suggests a year of notes so you see every season. Wisconsin Extension says to look for good drainage plus a hose nearby. Note frost pockets, steep slopes and tree roots.
What should a garden site survey include?
Maryland Extension lists sunlight, water, competition from trees, wildlife plus access. Wisconsin also lists drainage. Heavy rain should not puddle or flow through the area. Avoid low spots where frost settles plus steep slopes where erosion could occur.
| Option | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sunlight | At least 6 hours | Planning a vegetable garden |
| Drainage | No puddles | Beginning vegetable garden basics: site selection and soil preparation |
| Access | Paths plus hoses | Planning a vegetable garden |
How do you track sun and shade?
Wisconsin Extension says to watch a site through the season. Make sure trees or buildings do not shade it from late morning through afternoon. UC ANR asks where shade comes from. Full sun means 6 or more hours, with 8 to 10 for edibles. Part shade is 3 to 4 hours.
Late morning to afternoon: watch for shade. 8 to 10 hours: edibles. Shade sources: trees plus buildings.
How do you record what you find?
UC ANR says to create a simple drawing that shows each area of the garden. Journal what you see in each area through the year. Maryland Extension then suggests a simple garden map to plan space for each crop.
Simple drawing: maps each area. Journal: notes by season. Garden map: plans crop space.
Troubleshooting
Puddles after rain: poor drainage. Pick a higher spot.
Afternoon shade: trees or buildings. Watch the site longer.
Long hose runs: distant water. Move the bed closer.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. For more on site planning see garden microclimates for cannabis and mulch for cannabis. Read planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout for layout. See raised beds for cannabis for bed building.
Sources
- Planning a vegetable garden, University of Maryland Extension
- Beginning vegetable garden basics: site selection and soil preparation, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Site analysis: getting to know your garden, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
FAQ
How many hours of sun does a vegetable site need?
Maryland plus Wisconsin Extension say at least 6 hours of direct sun. UC ANR suggests 8 to 10 for edibles.
How long should a site survey run?
UC ANR suggests allowing a year if possible so you see the garden in every season.
Should the survey include a soil lab analysis?
Wisconsin Extension suggests a nutrient analysis through a certified lab. It reports soil type, pH, organic matter plus phosphorus and potassium.
What do you need to record a survey?
UC ANR suggests a simple drawing that shows garden areas plus a journal of observations.
How far do tree roots reach?
Wisconsin Extension says tree roots can grow three to five times the height of the tree away from the trunk.
