PLAN FOR PERFECTION

All the best veg gardens start with a well-crafted plan. Invest a little time now for bountiful harvests later, says Benedict Vanheems, as he takes us back to basics - step by step - with his guide to laying out your perfect plot

- Benedict Vanheems

Growing your own food is a surefire way to bring little moments of joy into your life, whether it's sinking your teeth into that first juicy tomato of summer, the earthy smell of freshly dug potatoes, or the pride of cooking a meal using ingredients plucked entirely from your own patch.

I still remember the first radish I harvested soon after getting into gardening. It was a scrawny-looking thing, but to me, it tasted just fantastic. I was hooked!

My first forays into gardening were a little haphazard if I'm honest, and I wish I'd spent a little more time thinking and planning before busting open those seed packets. But the keen exuberance of youth will always be a tough thing to push against! Still, I now know the value of planning and how a little time spent right at the start of that growing journey can save a lot of disappointment later.

For first-time growers, knowing where to start can feel a little daunting. The good news is that a well thought out layout will make everything from sowing to harvesting smoother, more productive and far more enjoyable. So, whether you are working with a few raised beds, a full-on allotment, or just a patch at the end of the garden, this guide should help you plan an efficient, good-looking and productive vegetable plot from the ground up.

STEP 1: FIRST THING IS THINKING OF THE SUN

Sunlight is the single biggest factor that determines success. Most vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunshine a day to thrive and will grow even better with more, so if you have the luxury of choosing where to pop your plot, choose a sunny aspect. Fruiting crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash are the real sun worshippers, producing best in full, unbroken light.