Besides good sun, avoid companions that compete for surface nutrition, such as heavy-feeding broadleaf shrubs and trees.
Pines are fine and provide shifting shade.
Well-drained, sandy soil is ideal. Enrich with organic material for better water retention. Clay is suitable if amended to make more friable. Most soils with proper drainage and sufficient moisture retention are suitable. Leaves and pine needles are excellent mulch, especially if they are abundant in the environment.