How to Choose an Organic Garden Site

Organic gardens use compost and natural pest remedies as opposed to chemically based fertilizers and pesticides. One of the most important steps to ensure your organic garden is successful is to choose an accessible site with plenty of sun, good soil and adequate drainage.

• Select a convenient site away from children's play areas and pet runs. Your organic garden should also be near your home, the tool shed and a water source.


• Find a place that is large enough to accommodate the organic garden. The size of your garden is largely dependent on the square footage of the lawn. However, even those with extremely small yards or patios can start an organic garden using planters.


• Ensure the site receives adequate sunlight. Fruits and vegetables typically require full sun, so the location must receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day. Eight hours of sunlight is recommended by some organic gardeners. The sun should hit directly on the garden.


• Inspect the site's soil composition. Bring a soil sample from the potential garden site to your local university's agriculture department. These institutions typically offer free or low-cost soil testing. The soil in your organic garden should have a pH level of 6 or 7.


• Check for proper drainage. Vegetables are likely to rot or succumb to disease, fungi and molds when they are planted in an area with poor drainage. Select a spot that has a sloping landscape, even if the degree of the slope is very slight.