Starting a home garden is simpler than it looks when you follow a clear order: first assess your space and sunlight, then choose the right structure for the tropics, and finally plant with a plan. This guide summarizes the process we use for every residential installation in Puerto Rico.
Assess your space and sunlight
Most vegetables need at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sun. Observe your yard, patio, or balcony over a full day: where morning sun hits, which areas fall into shade by afternoon, and where you have easy access to water. Sun is intense in Puerto Rico, so some tender leafy greens appreciate partial shade during the strongest hours.
Choose the right structure
Raised garden beds are the most reliable choice for a backyard: they drain well during the rainy season, let you control soil quality, and keep the space organized. For balconies and patios, deep planters and vertical systems work well. What matters most is living, well-drained soil — not dirt dug straight from the ground.
Plant with a plan, not on impulse
The most common mistake is planting everything at once. A staggered planting plan keeps production going year-round and avoids harvests that go to waste. If you'd rather not take on the work, our turnkey service covers it all: we design, install, and maintain the garden for you.
Want a home garden without doing the work? Request information.
Sources
Tropical agricultural extension guides (University of Florida IFAS; UPR Agricultural Extension Service).