Starting a Home Vegetable Garden

Helpful Resources:

Sustainable Gardening - The Oregon-Washington Master Gardener Handbook (EM 8742)
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/

Master Gardener Manual cd
http://pubs.wsu.edu/

Many good free (downloadable) or nearly free (hard copy) extension publications at
http://pubs.wsu.edu/
Consider especially Home Gardens (EB0422) and Organic Gardening (EB0648)

Site Selection (from Sustainable Gardening Handbook, Ch. 7, by Pat Patterson)
-Level area with loose, well-drained soil that receives 8-12 hours direct sunlight.
-For sloped sites, contour rows or terraces to reduce erosion.
-South-facing slopes warmer, less prone to frost damage (but remember - perrenials may be susceptible to late spring frosts)
-Avoid low spots.  Cold air flows down hill; frost collects in depressions.  Consider water table.
-Avoid windy locations; provide a wind break if necessary.

-Consider your water supply.
-Try to stay away from trees and shrubs (competition, shade, allelopathy/black walnut for example)
-Consider how shading patterns will change through the season.
-Avoid roadsides to avoid airborne contaminants.
-Avoid sites potentially contaminated with lead paint (old buildings)