Things need to be prepared before you start:

1. Locate the garden away from buildings and trees.
2. Have the garden where it is convenient to your house and to water.
3. The garden should be well drained but not droughty.
4. Locate the garden on the best soil available — a sandy loam soil is best.
5. Protect the plot, whether large or small, with a good fence.

Size And Shape
First, think small. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, or hoe. It’s like starting out an exercise program by running five miles the first day. You get tired, sore and you quit. Likewise, if you plant a huge garden the first year, you’ll curse, cuss and turn your sore back on gardening for good. So, if you’re new to gardening, start off with a small garden. You can always expand later if you can’t get enough of those fresh, crispy vegetables. Choose a location that receives as much sun as possible throughout the day. Northern gardeners should insist on full sun.