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Garden grown vegetables are superior to grocery store produce by anyone's standard, both in freshness and flavor. You can go out to the garden and pick your vegetables just before you are ready to eat, at the peak of freshness. You'll save money and your family (and lucky neighbors) will enjoy the results. Here's a quick introduction on the basics of planning a vegetable garden. If you've never grown your own vegetables, give it a try!

Start out small. It's easy to let your enthusiasm go crazy, wanting to plant all of your favorites. The issue comes when you find yourself overwhelmed by the time required to maintain a huge garden. Find one growing season under your belt to get a good idea of the tasks involved and the time you need to nurture your babies. A good size for the first-gardener is about 4' x 8'. A small patio garden is easily managed, even when filled to its limit.

When planning your vegetable garden, your first decisions are location, layout and kind of bed. Most vegetables require a south facing exposure with at least eight hours of sunlight, plan accordingly. Raised beds are easy to work and drain well. Lining the bottom of the frame with wire mesh provides protection from burrowing critters.

You have a little more setup expense in building the frame and filling the bed, but in the long run, you'll have less work and better results. If you choose to plant in the ground directly, digging to a depth of 24 inches is suggested for the most friable soil and best drainage. If you're growing in pots, use oak half-barrels or similar sized containers. Consult your nursery worker for vegetable varieties that grow well in your area.

Prepare your soil thoroughly. You should be able to gently squeeze a big handful and have it just barely hold its form, then easily crumble as you sift it through your hands. Get a soil test kit and make any adjustments to correct for too acid or alkaline soil.

Planning a vegetable garden for maximum yield includes considering interplanting, a technique that allows you to grow two crops in sequence in the same space. For example, carrots and radishes may be planted in between a row of lettuce. The carrots and radishes will be ready by the time the lettuce fills out the garden.

Knowledge of companion planting is also helpful when planning a vegetable garden. Some vegetables grow better when planted with another particular plant. For instance, tomatoes and basil are good companions, producing better tomatoes, tastier basil and provide natural protection from pests. You also want to know what not to plant in proximity. Gladiolas shouldn't be planted anywhere near tomatoes! Your tomatoes will not thrive!

Planning a vegetable garden is almost as much fun as growing and harvesting the delectable fruits. Start small, do your research, apply TLC generously and watch your garden grow!