A great deal of satisfaction comes from enjoying the taste of fresh vegetables straight from the garden. Select four or five of your family's favorite vegetables to start with. Some of the most popular and productive vegetables per square foot are tomatoes, peas, green beans, carrots and lettuce. For advice on particular varieties that thrive best in your locality, consult a neighborhood gardener, your local garden center or the cooperative extension service. The right mixture of sun, soil and moisture will determine how successful your gardening venture will be.
Most crops require at least six to eight hours of full sun a day to thrive.
A garden plot shaded by a tree will not flourish due to lack of full sun and because tree roots compete with garden plants for necessary nutrients. There are no set rules, but a good size garden for a beginner would be 100 square feet. If the garden plot has never been tilled and is close to a house, the soil may require extensive preparation before it can be used. A raised bed is an excellent choice for a small area. Proper soil mixtures can be added to raised beds for good control of contents.