Plot Selection and Preparation

Vegetables are demanding. Find a spot with at least six hours of full sun daily. If the area is currently lawn, remove the turf completely or cover it with cardboard for six weeks to kill the grass before digging. The ideal size for a first-timer is 1x2 metres; it is large enough for variety but small enough to manage without getting overwhelmed. Once you have cleared the area, loosen the soil at least 20cm deep using a garden fork. If your soil is heavy clay, add grit and plenty of organic compost to improve drainage. If it is sandy, add compost to help it retain water. A pH test kit from a garden centre can tell you if you need to add lime for acidic soil. Treat this initial preparation as the most critical step; good soil structure now prevents massive headaches later.