A well planned vegetable plot should be situated in an accessible position for ease of planting, maintenance and harvesting crops. When designing the plot, you may consider companion planting as a guide to planting your varieties. The bed can be planted so that beneficial species are close together and incompatible species are kept away from one another.   When growing your own vegetables, always remember that the plant is using vast amounts of energy to produce fruit in a short amount of time.   Ensure your plot has well drained soil, sufficient light, water and nutrients, and you will attain excellent yields.
	Full sun. All vegetable crops will attain higher yields in a position with full sun. Some wind protection is required for taller crops.
	Physically, the soil needs to be friable and well drained. If the soil in your area tends to be boggy, it is best to build up the area with topsoil, compost and sand. The edges require some sort of small retaining wall such as sleepers or other edging material to support the additional soil components. Always dig these into the existing layer to combine them or else an impenetrable layer may be created.   Regular addition of compost will improve the soil structure as well as fertilising the plants. Nutritionally, a successful vegetable plot requires an adequate balance of Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K) and Phosphorus (P). The Nitrogen requirement of the plant is primarily for foliage growth and is not a great factor in flower and fruit production.   Many manures contain a large amount of Nitrogen and can build up over a number of years until they inhibit flower production. Important elements in flower and fruit production are Potassium and Phosphorus which are available in complete fertilisers, compost and speciality mixes. To keep the acidity levels balanced, it is recommended you add garden lime to your soil at least once a year but always test your pH before adding the lime.
	Vegetable production requires high amounts of water just as it requires high levels of light and nutrients. Mulching should be considered a must for the vegetable plot to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds.   An organic mulch will break down and benefit the soil with nutrients, and is suited to a garden where plantings are changing once or twice a year. Remember that many vegetables have a high water content, for example tomatoes, and enough water is required to maintain those levels in the fruit as well as to satisfy the plant.   Water regularly and thoroughly: long soakings less often are much more beneficial than a sprinkle a day. Always water your vegetable plot as the weather dictates - in very hot weather, plants will require a long water each day.
	Many crops may require support to aid growth or to support the plant when it is heavy with fruit.   Structures such as wire, string, lattice or other materials should be considered when planning a vegetable plot.
	Pots and containers need to be adequate in capacity for the particular vegetable to be grown in them; for example, tomatoes require a 20 litre capacity.   Give your container-grown vegetables the best possible chance by using a good quality potting mix and fertilise regularly. Remember there are no nutrients available to the plant except those you add.   Containers can dry out very quickly in hot weather so water regularly. It is advisable to insulate or shade the pot (the plant's root zone) on very hot days.