You don’t have to have a huge vegetable garden that has many plants in it. Many people don’t have a lot of space to have a big garden, but usually you can find at least a small area to have a vegetable garden if you have a bit of sunlight.

People develop gardens in various small areas - it could be a tiny bit of land outside a house, or pots in planters kept indoors or outdoors. How well you treat your plants and how skilful you are at gardening are issues that are far more important than the amount of space you have. Even a little garden can compete with a large one, if the gardener’s expertise is applied well to growing the plants.

Planning your garden before you begin is very important - you must make the most of the area you’re using for your garden with a good vegetable garden design. What plants do you plan to grow here? You’ll have to put in some effort to learn about these plants, and whether they can be planted in close proximity to each other. Which are the ones that need extra sunshine? What special care must be taken for each plant?

This will help you plan the placement of your garden, whether you plant in a small patch of land or in planters. Next, you’ll need to find out when each plant should be planted. Some need to be planted ahead of others, so plan accordingly.

Next, you will be buying plants, seeds, seedlings or cuttings. Your pots and planters should be of a size that suits your garden space. And make sure you give each of your plants generous room to grow.

The soil you use in your pots should be of the best quality. This should give your plants the nutrition they need to grow large and healthy. You can ask for advice on soil from the experts at your garden centre.

Small gardens are not immune to ravages by insects. You can deal with this problem, though.

The first thing you can do is entice creatures that prey on insects into your garden. Frogs, birds, ladybugs and lizards will come to your garden if there is a pond or other body of water, as well plants that they will find attractive. You can also use other methods instead of chemical repellents - try insecticidal soap, spicy peppers or garlic to keep insects away.

Some fertilizing soil has ingredients mixed in that will help repel some pests, so check them out as well. If you feel you must use pesticides, use them sparingly. Most of these harmful chemicals can affect the plants as well as animals and children, so use only what’s absolutely necessary for your garden.

Whatever size a garden is, loving care is extremely important. Maintain control of weeds, keep the soil aerated and water your plants regularly. A garden won’t do well unless the gardener looks after the plants correctly. Don’t leave your plants to the tender mercies of the elements!

Small gardens can thrive just as much as larger ones, so if you don’t have the space for a big garden, just make use of the space you do have and grow healthy and robust plants. With the proper care, any garden can produce excellent plants.