Soil Prep
Many vegetables are heavy feeders, so the soil has to be nutrient-rich from the outset with plenty of organic matter. Before planting, the entire vegetable garden should be covered in at least three centimeters (a generous inch) of finished compost and turned over with a spade.

Light
Most vegetables need no fewer than six hours of sunlight a day. If possible, plant your vegetables in a south-facing location. If this isn’t available, choose a southeast or southwest exposure. Water Vegetables need daily hydration when at the seedling stage, with consistent watering as the surface of the soil dries thereafter. Be wary of mature trees in any area you want to plant vegetables. Not only do they create shade, but they also deplete the soil of moisture and nutrients with roots that are more aggressive than most any vegetable.

Mulch
A thick layer of mulch helps to retain moisture and also encourages earthworm activity in the soil. I recommend a mulch of finely ground-up pine or cedar bark about 5 cm thick or a layer of straw at least 15 cm (six inches) deep.

Planting Times
The best planting times for individual vegetables are often given on the back of the seed packet and expressed in the number of weeks before or after the last spring frost. You will have to know what the average last frost date is for your area before you plant. Your local weather bureau should be able to provide average dates for you.

Sowing Seeds
The rule of thumb is that seeds should be sown to a depth equivalent to two to three times their diameter. Very tiny seeds can be pressed lightly into the soil with a finger or can be spread lightly and then covered with a little soil. All seeds must be kept moist until they sprout. For seeds started indoors, mist the surface of the soil so it doesn’t crust over.