So, we covered sunlight already – the only thing you can’t do too much about, unless you’re going to cut down a few trees or demolish the neighbours garage, which is probably not a great idea.

The next thing to think about is the question “Why?” as in’ Why do you want to grow your own vegetables?”

If you want access to favoured or hard to find treats like oriental eggplants or thai basil or snow peas that don’t have the texture of cardboard,  or heritage tomatoes- thats one possible reason.

Another is that you’d simply like to grow a few vegetables that you and your family like and ýou want to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are organic,  chemical free and as fresh as possible.  Another perfectly valid reason.

Another reason is that, even though you don’t have much room you want a vegetable garden that will make a solid contribution to your families consumption by  improving the quality of what you get and at the same time saving some money.  Value is good.

Or just maybe you’ve simply  been bitten by a desire to grow something, because it will make your soul happy.  Welcome.

Every reason is a good one.  Heck I don’t think there can possibly be a bad reason for growing a vegetable garden.  But if you’re going to be growing on a patio, balcony or deck , space will be at a premium.  If you want to be happy with the result, it won’t hurt to give a little thought to what result you’ll be happy with.

Every reason I’ve outlined will take you down a slightly different path when you plan your own garden- and anything is possible.