As spring approaches, many New Glarus residents might be looking at their yards, wondering: Where is the best place to plant a garden? Choosing the right location can make the difference between a thriving harvest and a season of frustration.

Planning is the key. So, whether you are growing tomatoes, peppers, herbs or pollinator-friendly flowers, finding your garden’s “sweet spot” starts with understanding several key factors: sunlight, soil, water convenience, wind, wildlife,  and long-term use of space in your own backyard.

“At this time of year, we sometimes get questions about starting seeds. And this is about the time you want to get started,” said Mike Davis, New Glarus resident and current president of the Green County Master Gardeners Association. “I start, depending on the germination time and how long the plants take to grow, in the end of February – middle of March. And then, you're like 60 days out, so then you time it for that, because we've all been burned putting out tomatoes too early. They say, ‘Plant early; plant often.’”