91µ¼º½

Positioning vegetables

Find the best place for your vegetable plants so that your vegetable growing is more successful


auberginesMost 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.

Vegetable planner

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)


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How to grow veg when you're short on space

Gardeners' calendar

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Advice from the RHS

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91µ¼º½ 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.