Consider moving your garden if it is located in partial shade, or prune overhanging tree branches to provide the needed sunshine. Generally speaking, the more sun, the better. Since plants convert sunshine to starches and sugars, plants grown in full sun will produce larger vegetables and sweeter fruit than those grown in partial shade. In addition, sunshine helps dry out wet foliage, thus reducing the potential for disease problems. Proper soil conditions are equally important to the health and vigor of plants.
Most plants prefer a loam soil with good water drainage.
Avoid low-lying areas where water collects, since damp conditions promote root rot. You can improve any soil by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss. This is especially true of sandy and clay soils. Organic matter helps sandy soils hold water and nutrients. It provides clay soils with more air spaces so that roots can breathe more easily.