Concentrating your first efforts close to the house, preferably in an area that you pass by daily, allows you to continually enjoy your creation. A word of caution, if you have small children, you may want to avoid planting flowers that attract bees close to play areas. Also, be aware that some plants have toxic properties. Vegetables require at least six hours of direct sun each day. Many traditional culinary herbs also are sun-loving and make excellent companion plants for your vegetables.
Herbs also contribute to a healthy garden plot by repelling pests.
Many herbs, such as basil, thyme, fennel, and dill, attract beneficial insects as well. A southern or western exposure is best for vegetable and herb gardens. A neatly tended vegetable garden may be placed anywhere, but if follow through is not your forte, you may want to tuck the garden toward the side or back of your house. A rectangular shape is practical for vegetables, allowing for neat rows and maximization of space. If you choose to use lumber to define a raised vegetable bed in your yard, make sure that the wood is untreated.