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Find the best place for your vegetable plants so that your vegetable growing is more successful
Most vegetables grow best in a sunny position. If you have a shady spot then you can still grow crops such as endive, lettuce, radicchio, peas and spinach. Others will grow, but probably not to their full potential - especially fruiting crops. Shelter from cold and strong winds is beneficial - essential for crops such as aubergines and peppers - and will also ensure better crops of vegetables like peas and beans. Try to choose a position away from large trees and hedges, as these will compete with your vegetables for water and nutrients, as well as casting shade.
We have produced a handy vegetable planner to help you decide what to do and when for each crop. Download the vegetable planner (199kB pdf) You might also like: How to grow veg when you're short on space
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Soil preparation
Planning a vegetable garden
Seed-sowing techniques
Watering vegetables
Mulching vegetable gardens
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.