If you have a "brown thumb," turn it green with these tips for growing a bountiful — and easy — vegetable garden:
Choose a nice, sunny site. Don't plant the garden in an area that's shaded by buildings or trees. (To ensure perfect drainage, consider planting raised beds.)
If possible, plant in the late spring or early summer. Vegetables need at least six to eight hours of sun per day, and they will get this in the summer months. Without sufficient sunlight, the plants will grow weak and floppy. To start a new vegetable garden
Dig in the soil six to eight inches deep and remove any rocks or debris that may be in the way.
Then spread a two- to four-inch layer of compost or other organic material over the bed and work it into the soil.
When planting seeds, follow the instructions on the seed packets with regard to spacing. When using transplants, ask a nursery professional (or local extension agent) how far to space each variety.
Fertilize the garden with natural fertilizer, paying special attention to the proper proportions indicated on the package. For pest problems, apply an organic pest control spray directly to the leaves.
When watering, remember that too much or too little can ultimately kill a plant.
Don't wait until the soil is completely dry before watering, and don't depend on the rain as a water source.
Use a sprinkler or — if a more advanced approach is desired — a drip system.
Insert a finger about one inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
Pull weeds weekly to prevent them from becoming a major problem.
If desired, use a bark or wood chip mulch to help keep plants healthy and reduce weeds. (Be sure to leave enough free space for walking between plants.) Different mulches work better in different zones, so ask a local expert for a specific recommendation.
Harvest vegetables when they're ripe.
They should pull off the vine easily.
If winter (or the first frost) is approaching, try protecting plants with a blanket or cold frame, or harvest what's available and allow it to ripen on the kitchen windowsill. 
