Allotments 4 All

We have moved to the Dordogne area of France and have a garden with mostly poor grass and a few trees. I would like to grow some of our own vegetables but am really unsure where to site the plot . Do i need it in full sun or partial shade etc? How close can it be to trees etc. Any advice would be most appreciated.

Sounds exciting Munch! Most vegetables prefer full sun, though some leafy ones like parsley will grow better in partial shade provided the soil is not too dry. I wouldn't plant anything under the canopy of a tree as the soil will be too dry in summer. It sounds like your soil will need improving. Do you have access to a supply of manure and/or lots of garden waste to compost? 

Hello Munch and welcome to the forum :)

Dandelion's got good advice. If you've just moved, what a marvellous opportunity to introduce yourself to your neighbours, admire their veggie patches, and ask their advice :D When I get a new lottie after moving, it's the first thing I do - how to win friends and influence people! ;D

I was taught that if you can,sow/plant your rows pointing into the sun this is best.

The reason is; their is less chance of taller produce putting smaller stuff in the shade,i.e. the sun shines between the rows.

It makes sense to me, pity I cant always practice this due to how my plots lie relative to where  the sun shines. :-[

Having said that I take great care in how I plan my beds so that tall growing stuff is at one end of the bed and the lower growing stuff at the other end.

Welcome Munch, as said above most veggies love a bit of sun on their backs, don't plant too close to the trees as they suck the moisture out of the ground. There are plants that like the shade but can't think for a minute what they are.    ;D ;D ;D

Hi Munch and welcome you have picked the right forum as everyone is so friendly and good luck with your growing I am new to all this too - but have found the information here so helpful and informative

Good luck :) :)

BB