Planting a vegetable garden allows you to enjoy the freshest produce and to save money on groceries. And the whole family can participate in gardening. You can plant your vegetable garden in a flower bed, a part of your yard, or in pots on a deck or balcony. If you don't have a lot of space, you can often take part in a community garden, which will allow you to rent a space in which to garden next to other urban gardeners.
Location
Vegetables need sunlight to flourish and fruit. Cornell University says your garden should be located so it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. If you plant vegetables in pots, set them on platforms with casters and move the plants around during the day to take advantage of the sun. You also need to situate your garden in an area that drains well. Standing water deprives plant roots of oxygen and can lead to rot.
Soil
Almost any kind of soil can make good garden soil if you add material to improve it. Compost and well-rotted manure add nutrients, make the soil looser and easier to work, and help soil retain moisture. You can purchase soil test kits to help you identify the nutrients your soil needs.
Water
Plants need water, so make sure you have an accessible water source for your garden. You can water a few pots on a balcony with a watering can, but for a larger garden plan to use a water hose, a sprinkler or a drip irrigation system. According to Cornell University horticulturalists, most vegetables need at least 1 inch of water a week, either from rain or from supplemental watering.
Plants
Different plants grow in different parts of the country. Ask other gardeners in your area or a local nursery for advice on plants you should grow. Plant seedlings or seeds. Follow the directions on the seed packet. Place taller plants, such as corn and pole beans, toward the back of the garden or where they won't shade shorter plant such as onions or bush beans. Draw a plan of the garden on graph paper and try out different plants in different areas.
Fertilizer
A steady supply of nutrients will keep your plants healthier and produce more vegetables. You can choose organic or chemical fertilizers, but the University of Illinois Extension Service recommends you look for an all-purpose fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in ratios of 12-12-12, 10-10-10 or 5-10-5. Follow the directions on the package to know how much and how often to feed your vegetables.
Weeds
Mulch around your plants to keep out weeds and keep in water. You may also need to pull weeds or cultivate around the plants to keep weeds out. Weeds compete with vegetables for water and food. Pull weeds when they're young and easier to remove.
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