Vegetables & Sustainable

Return to Main Vegetables

Overview

Choose the best site for your garden, preferably in a location that is easily accessible from your home. Make sure the site receives 6 to 8 hours of full sun per day. Avoid planting where shade from trees or buildings limits light for part of the day because it will decrease yield and increase disease problems in many plants. If shade is a problem, plant leafy crops in those areas and save the full sun areas for crops that bear fruit (tomato, eggplant, squash etc).
Select a level area with well-drained soil. Soil can be amended with compost or other organic matter to improve soil water relations.
A water source near the garden is important.
The size of your garden will be dependent upon available space, the time that you have to garden and the food needs of your family and neighborhoods. Generally, a packet of seeds will fill a 15 ft. row for many crops.

Associated Links

List of vegetables and cultural tips as well as pest problem descriptions and management information from UC IPM

Publications

California Master Gardener Handbook, Home Vegetable Gardening, Pages 337-345. University of California. Buy Book.
Grow Your Own Vegetables ~ it's Worth It!(pdf) University of California.
Vegetable Garden Basics (pdf). University of California.