MY FAVOURITE 5: Space-saving veggies

Having a small backyard, or no backyard at all, doesn't mean you can't grow some of your very own fresh veggies. There are many delicious options that take up very little room in a garden bed or can be grown in pots in a courtyard or on a balcony. It's so rewarding to add home-grown ingredients to your meals, and you'll enjoy a healthier diet too. To inspire you to get growing, here are my five favourite space-saving veggies.

- ANGIE THOMAS

For lots more information on growing veggies (and other tasty edibles) in pots, grab a copy of Yates Top 50 Edible Plants for Pots and How NOT to Kill Them! Available in selected bookstores and from online booksellers.

1. BEETROOT

Beetroot is a fantastic 'top to tail' veggie as you can use the flavour-packed roots as well as the vibrant young leaves in salads. Yates Baby Beets are super compact and are speedy growers too, taking just six to seven weeks to grow from seed. Before sowing beetroot, seed in a veggie patch or pot and soak the seed in water for two hours. This will help promote better germination and get your beetroot off to a flying start. Sow additional beetroot seed every few weeks to keep your kitchen well stocked.

2. SALAD GREENS