outdoor water sources - how close?

In the spring, I'll be planting some starters on my property in southwestern colorado. Climate there is arid, with lots of sun. My land has a pond, a few springs, and irrigation ditches. Around these areas, it can vary between dry topsoil with a water table at about 24" deep, or close by with moist, even soggy soil at the surface. The water level is pretty constant throughout the summer, so there shoudn't be too much fluctuation from week to week. I won't be getting to my land but maybe once a week (two hour drive) ans I want to be able to plant these starters and not worry too much about watering, but I will be there every week or two for maintanence and nutes.

My question:

For water purposes alone, how close should I plant to any of these water sources? What soil dryness/wetness ratio should I look for for optimal outdoor grow?

I assume the plant can put a tap root down to the water table and pull as much as it needs, so should I plant away from the banks? I want to plant in a spot where water will not an issue for the plants, but I'm also afraid of planting in too wet of an area that could cause problems.

Any guidance on planting near these water sources?

bump - anybody?

in particular- does one want to plant right next to a pond, or would it be too wet?

If your water table is only 24" down, then you can plant anywhere you would like. Stay away from soggy soil, you want some good drainage and air for the roots. Even if the water table is 24' away you could still plant, you would just have to water more often. Good luck.

hey thanks, kappainf.
That opens up more options, if I don't need to be right on the bank. I could water weekly until it taps into the table. I'll have to check the ph of the water there as well.... I think some of the water table is fed by subsurface runoff from local fields and farms - There's may be lots of fertilizer going into the water around there from irrigation by the local ranchers.