Dan R. Woldhuis, co-owner of Woldhuis Farms Sunrise Greenhouse, Grant Park, Illinois.

John Moors, Director of Horticulture and Maintenance at Klehm Arboretum, Rockford.

“One of the most important things is site selection. You need full sun, loose soil and good drainage. Next, find out the best time to plant your seeds and transplants. This varies greatly. For example, cabbage transplants do best if planted in April but peppers do much better in late May. Use fertilizers especially designed for vegetables and watch your plants closely for insect damage.”

"Don’t overdo it. Some people start with a 20 x 20-foot plot when it should have been 5 x 10. Choose the site carefully. Place it in the sunniest spot that’s also close to your house and water.Vegetables need full sun Do a soil test. You need to be sure there’s no huge deficiency or chemical imbalance. Kits from the garden center work pretty well. If you need to amend the soil, it’s best to do it before you start."

Lori Harms, Greenhouse Manager at Countryside Flower Shop & Nursery, Crystal Lake.

"Pick a spot with 6-8 hours of direct sun. Rototill and incorporate fertilizer and organic material. Select quality starter plants from your local garden center rather than sowing seeds; this will give up to a 6-week advance in harvest. Plant cool weather plants first (lettuce, spinach, etc.). Plant warm season plants (tomato, eggplants, etc.) after all danger of frost is over. Provide plenty of space for each plant. Or grow veggies in containers."