Here are the best vegetables to grow in a small garden

Green-fingered Brits with small outdoor spaces are being told of the best vegetables to grow.

Experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk say even those with small gardens can reap the benefits of home-grown crops

Family favourites like lettuce, rocket and sugar snap peas all thrive in many conditions, making them the perfect addition to a small vegetable patch or containers.

The experts urge keen gardeners to choose smaller vegetable plants which can be planted close together and to grow vertically where possible with hanging planters on walls.

A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct said: “Having a smaller garden shouldn’t deter keen gardeners from enjoying the benefits of growing their own vegetables at home.

“There are lots of crops which thrive in smaller patches. Those with especially limited space could even look to container gardening or growing vegetables in hanging planters on walls in the garden.

“As long as you make sure your crops are properly pruned and have the proper growing conditions, even the smallest of gardens can produce tasty vegetables for you and your family.

“When shopping for seeds, look for dwarf and bush varieties, which will take up the least room. Make sure not to sow seeds too close together as this will impact how the vegetables are able to grow. Choose plants which provide a longer crop in order to get the most out of your small vegetable patch.”

Here are the best veggies to plant in a small garden, from Garden Buildings Direct:

1. Beetroot 

To save space, sow two or three seeds together. Space groups of seeds 15 cm apart, and cover them with soil and water when the ground gets dry.

2. Wild rocket 

This robust crop is easy to grow, even in poor soil and small gardens.

3. Watercress

This vegetable tends to thrive in light shade but grows well in sunny spots of the garden. Make sure to keep the soil or compost moist all year round.

4. Curly Kale 

Great for smaller gardens, as it can grow in raised beds, containers or in-ground gardens. Space the kale 18 to 24 inches apart in a well-drained, sunny spot.

5. Chillies 

The small, spicy vegetables are easy to grow in either pots or small areas of your vegetable plot.

6. Sugar snap peas

This vegetable grows well in small areas as the rows of crops can be close together. Grow in holes 5 cm apart and 2 cm deep, cover the seeds with soil and water well.

7. Lettuce

Any variety of lettuce can be planted in a small garden. Many varieties, especially loose-leaf ones, take up very little space and are perfect space-fillers for gaps in your vegetable garden.

8. Rainbow chard

Rainbow chard seeds can be planted two inches apart in all directions. For larger plants in more outdoor space, space seeds 8-12 inches apart.

9. Turnips 

Small turnips grow quickly and don’t require lots of room. Sow seeds into a layer of compost mixed with sand for optimum growing conditions.