In your garden: Plant potted treats in tight spaces

Last month I wrote about brightening up awkward spaces, but what if you'd like to make your space work for you? Your space may be small but that doesn't mean you can't put home-grown produce on the table. Fresh herbs, home-grown salad, exotic vegetables, fresh fruit and an education for anyone who's never seen a tomato grow!

The smallest container can produce enough to become the centrepiece of a special meal - from tomatoes in a pasta sauce to strawberries in a pavlova. The key is to get a container that suits what's being grown. Potatoes would not like a tall narrow pot, but something that can grow with them so more and more compost can be added as the green shoots poke through the surface. This encourages a long growth root and more space for the crop potatoes to form along.

That tall long pot can be used for other crops, however - carrots always appreciate a fine loamy soil into which they can grow long and straight.

A little probably goes along way, so your small space is perfect for trying out exotic varieties. Or how about turning the tall pot upside down and using it as an old-fashioned rhubarb forcer.

Other pots and containers that are too small to hold longer lasting plants, due to root restriction or shallowness, may be ideal for quicker growing salad varieties. Children are particularly keen to get involved if they can see almost instant results. Herbs are another favourite and varied edible choice. We're now getting a good range from the charity and community groups that work with us. Putting a mix of herbs together works well as the types that can cope with getting a little dry, such as rosemary, can help to shelter softer herbs, such as basil or dill. However, the disadvantage of being able to use those leftover small pots and containers is that watering has to be done more frequently - not a problem with this week's weather!

• Jackie Macdonald is a partner in Small Green Spaces which specialises in container gardening for small urban spaces using locally and ethically sourced materials (call 0131-557 1107 or visit www.smallgreenspaces.co.uk).