Which way is it best for a garden to face?

[samy23]

The garden in a house I'm interested in, has a garden which faces east or might be south east, so does that mean it will get the sun in the morning when the sun is rising in the east, but then from around mid day it won't get any sun all afternoon?

[mattemma04]

South I read is best,with atleast 6 hours of sun. Mine more or less get that with times of shade due to houses or trees. I checked a spot throughout the day to see if it got sun.You can buy markers that change color if it has atleast 6 hours a day. They are about $8 but are not reusable,so I just go outside and look.

I plant all over.If something does not do well I will just move it. I am careful though when it comes to trees and shrubs as those are a pain to move.

[mumkimum]

The only spot we've got to garden is east/southeast on a side of our house. We get enough sun in parts enough for tomatoes and some other veggies, herbs, and flowers - so it does okay. More than the orientation, the problem is the house next to us that blocks the sun half the day.
I'd assume you'll get enough sun, see how anything there is currently growing (even grass would or might look slightly different if anything is significantly shaded), and look for stuff like trees, etc. that would obstruct the sun.

[sunnysandiegan]

You may also want to post this in the "diggin in the earth" forum.

[ollyoxenfree]

Consider how long the sun shines on the patch of dirt you want for your garden. Many seed and seedling companies will indicate how long the plants need full sun for optimum growth.

What are you hoping to grow? Most vegetables and herbs need lots of sun. If you want a flower garden, then there are lots of shade plants that you can use to make a beautiful garden, and sun exposure is less important, unless there are particular plants you want to grow.

If you are in the northern hemisphere, then a south-facing garden will get excellent sun exposure through the day. An east-facing garden may not get enough sun.

If you are in the southern hemisphere, then a north-facing garden is optimum.

Good luck.