The most important consideration for a vegetable garden is sunlight. Be sure the location you choose receives a minimum of six hours of direct exposure. The preferred pH of most vegetables is between 6.0 and 7.0. The ideal soil is sandy loam with good drainage. Prepare the soil carefully before planting by digging in compost and other organic matter which will get you off to a good start. Quick-growing crops such as lettuces and bush beans probably won't need additional fertilizers, but longer season vegetables like tomatoes and peppers should receive an additional boost of compost or manure once they have set flower. Vegetables generally need about an inch of water per week. Watering early in the day is best and be sure to water the plant's root zone in order to ensure the plant is receiving the maximum benefit from the watering.