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Choose a location with permanency in mind. The school garden should be around for years to come. The following factors should be taken into account during site walkthroughs and when planning the location:

Plenty of sunshine
A vegetable garden needs 5-8 hours of direct sunlight every day for plants to be healthy.

Adequate drainage, no puddles in the area
Plants will die if they’re in soggy soil. Make sure the site isn’t the lowest spot on campus.

Soil quality/nutrients/pH
Be sure to test the soil. If the soil is contaminated following the removal of asphalt, the plants will become unhealthy.

Nearby a convenient source of water
Drip-irrigation is the most time and water efficient method of watering.

In an area free of herbicides and pesticides
Avoid areas that are heavily laden with pesticides and herbicides.

Accessible to students and in a higher traffic area
Provide students the opportunity to observe the garden and to work in it in an unrestricted manner.

Appropriate and safe tool storage
A storage shed should be close to the garden so that transporting the tools back and forth is as easy as possible.

The more accessible the garden is to students and classrooms, the more convenient it is for teachers to utilize. It’s important that the gardens are open and accessible beyond class time. Students should be encouraged to explore the gardens during their free time and the garden’s location should allow such use.