As you begin to plan and prepare for a garden, here are a few general reminders:

• Vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight a day.
• The garden site should be relatively level. If there is a steep slope, run rows of plants across it to prevent erosion.
• It is a good idea to spade (mix) the soil to a depth of 12 to 14 inches. Adding organic matter such as manure, peat moss or leaves will benefit the soil.
• Be careful with fertilizer. All fertilizers have a three-digit code. For vegetable gardens, look for 8-8-8 or 16-16-16.
• The simplest way to eliminate plant pests is to remove insects, worms, or eggs by hand. Some shake-on powder or liquid bug sprays are relatively safe to use.
• Proper depth for planting seeds is approximately four times as deep as the seed is thick.