The first thing to know about vegetable gardening is that it’s not an exact science. There are no hard and fast rules to follow, so you’ll have to experiment with what works best for your soil and climate. The main things to consider when planting vegetables are:

  1. Choose a spot in your garden where the sun will shine on it most of the day.
  2. Decide if you want to plant in raised beds or rows. Raised beds are usually made from wood, plastic or concrete blocks.
  3. Consider the amount of space you have available. A small space can be productive if you plant only one or two types of vegetables.
  4. If you’re growing vegetables to sell at a farmers’ market, choose crops that are in season.
  5. If you want to grow vegetables for food, choose crops that are easy to grow and require less maintenance.
  6. Choose crops that will be eaten by humans.
  7. Try to avoid planting crops that will attract insects or disease.
  8. Consider which plants are easiest to transplant.
  9. Think about whether you want to grow a crop that can be harvested mechanically, such as corn.
  10. Remember that some crops are better suited to certain climates than others.
  11. Consider how much time you have to spend tending your crops.
  12. Think about whether you want your garden to be primarily ornamental or primarily edible.
  13. If you’re planning to grow a large number of vegetables, plan to do more than one crop each year.
  14. Be sure to choose vegetables that you like to eat.
  15. Don’t forget to include a few flowers in your garden.
  16. Plant vegetables that are in season.
  17. Use good quality seeds.
  18. Be careful not to over fertilize your soil.
  19. Use organic methods of pest control.
  20. Buy seeds from a reputable seed company.
  21. Plant in rows rather than in raised beds.
  22. Make sure that you use the right type of fertilizer for your particular crop.
  23. Don’t over water your plants.
  24. Water deeply once a week.
  25. Keep weeds under control.
  26. Keep the ground free of debris.
  27. Prune back your plants regularly.
  28. Maintain good air circulation.
  29. Choose a site in your garden that gets full sun for several hours during the day.
  30. If you live in a place with extreme weather conditions, make sure that you plan ahead.
  31. When choosing varieties, be sure to look for ones that are suited to your local climate.
  32. If you’re planning to raise chickens, rabbits or other livestock, plant the vegetables in a different area of your garden.