When planning for growing vegetables consider that most plants producing fruit will require full sunlight though leafy varieties will take partially shady conditions. Choose a site that is close to the kitchen so that it is easy to nip out and pick what you need. When considering the size of the plot it is better to have a small well maintained area rather than a large neglected one full of weeds.

Growing vegetables amongst garden plants gives an interesting effect as many are ornamental. Others can be grown in containers, especially dwarf or bush varieties, and ones that take up little space such as carrots, radish and lettuce. Just remember that containers need watering frequently, a good idea is to use a Self-Watering Planter. Greenhouses are also a popular place for growing vegetables.

Permanent crops like asparagus or rhubarb need to be planted in a position where they will not interfere with the annual cultivation of the soil. A hotbed or cold frame is best located in a corner and ensure that tall crops will not shade smaller growing vegetables.

As more and more people are becoming aware of the use of pesticides in commercial growing and realising that many of our natural resources are in limited supply, organic gardening is becoming a  popular alternative.  Growing vegetables in an organic garden will produce fresh vegetables that are produced naturally and cleanly.

Soil

The soil is usually prepared in early spring by tilling or digging with a spade to create a friable, fertile, well drained medium for growing vegetables. It should be reasonably free of stones and well supplied with organic matter which improves the soil and helps release nitrogen, minerals and other nutrients for the plants as it decays.

Commercial fertilizers can be used if desired before or at the time of planting. The amount required will depend on the crops being grown and the composition and pH level of the soil. The county Extension Agent can supply information on soil tests for your locality. Some soils with a natural high fertility may only require the addition of nitrogen or compost. Fertilizers containing small amounts of copper, zinc and manganese are necessary only in areas known to be deficient in those elements. Leafy crops like spinach, cabbage, kale and lettuce often require more nitrogen while root crops such as potatoes, carrots, beets and turnips need more potash.

Seeds and Plants

It is best to buy seeds from a reputable seedsman which are disease free and also buy disease resistant varieties. They can be started indoors, in a greenhouse or coldframe, if you want to get a headstart, or in warmer areas sow directly into prepared beds in the open. If you want to purchase seedlings, look for strong plants with healthy green leaves. Start planting in spring and continue all summer so there is always something fresh and tasty to harvest.

All the essential information on growing vegetables is in this book
Burpee : The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener

Tending the Garden

Generally about 1 inch of water a week is required for growing vegetables. Some of this may come from rain but you will probable need to water the garden yourself either by hand or with an irrigation system. It is better to give the garden a good soaking less often  than water sparingly, every day, which will cause the roots to come to the surface where they can get burned by the sun.

Any weeds that sprout should be hoed up or removed by hand. Weeds will rob plants of water, nutrients and light and some may harbor disease insects and nematodes that will reinfest the garden in the succeeding years.

A few good quality tools such as a spade, rake, hoe, trowel, wheelbarrow and hose will make growing vegetables much easier. All these tools can be safely stored away from harsh weather and crooks in a garden shed.

Protect

Growing vegetables is very rewarding so you should take steps to prevent damage by garden pests. Fences are useful for keeping out dogs, rabbits and deer and can double as a trellis for crops that need support such as beans and tomatoes.

Find more information on how to control garden pests.