For years, I have had a 4 x 4 square foot raised garden bed dedicated solely to vegetables, with varying success. This year I have decided to add two more 4 x 4 beds and some containers. Most of what I will plant are vegetables primarily different types of tomatoes and pickling cucumbers. I enjoy canning and my family uses pickles and canned tomatoes and ketchup, so it is the most beneficial for us. When planning a garden, one should consider what your household can consume fresh and what could be preserved so nothing goes to waste.
Raised beds are easier to access and you do not have to alter the existing ground. Square foot gardening recommends a mix of peat moss, vermiculite and compost-this is a very light soil that drains well, but also retains moisture for the plants. This eliminates concerns with home soil which could be non-conducive to vegetable gardening. Weed barriers can make it so that there is very little weeding to do. Plants are spaced very close together, eliminating "rows." This method also utilizes vertical gardening-supporting plants with trellises, staking, etc. This reduces the space needed on the ground by growing vining plants up instead of out.
The startup costs can be much higher because beds must be built or purchased, and soil must be replenished each year. You may need fertilizer to provide enough nutrients for the plants to grow and thrive. Compared to traditional gardening, this method may not generate as much produce per plant.
For those with very small yards or just a balcony or a porch to use, container gardening is a great option. From large tubs (like Grow-pots) to small pots, food can be grown in a very small space. Many "urban gardeners" use this method. There are many "dwarf" varieties that have been developed to help those growing in such small areas. The advantage is space. It requires very little. The disadvantages are that your harvest may be limited, the soil will need constant improvement and fertilizer, and plants grown this way can be more susceptible to disease.
Soil is one of the most important components of any successful vegetable garden. Without good soil, your garden will not produce. If no homemade compost is available, buy commercially bagged compost. Make sure to incorporate compost and peat moss into the soil using either a shovel or a tiller. For hard compacted ground, it is really important to loosen the soil. Do not work the soil if it is too wet. Working wet soil causes the soil to clump and will ruin soil texture. Fill the raised bed with 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 vermiculite. If vermiculite is not available, use topsoil. Vermiculite helps the soil retain moisture, but topsoil will also work nearly as well. The exact proportions are not important, as long as the ingredients are mixed well before planting.This soil calculator by Gardener's Supply Company will help you decide how much soil you need.