Readers question: Stephen and Julie have been wanting to grow vegetables for some time.

They have made it their New Year’s resolution. The thing that has been putting them off is the small growing space that they have in their garden.

They wonder if there are any secrets to growing lots of vegetables in a small space.

IT is amazing how many homegrown vegetables you can fit into a small growing area, container or raised bed. The key to success is clever planting techniques and the right crops.

Before planting, think carefully about what you want to grow. Nearly all vegetables can be cultivated in small areas, but there is no point dedicating space to a crop you are not keen on eating. It is also worth avoiding vegetables that take up a large amount of space, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, celery, squashes (unless climbing) and main crop potatoes.

Try to choose vegetables that are expensive to buy in the shops, taste better when fresh and that are quick to grow. Peas and beans are a good choice because they have a high sugar content and taste best when eaten within an hour of being picked. They can cost a lot to buy in the shops and have often been lying on the shelves for some days before purchase.

Beans that grow well in small spaces include runner beans, broad beans, French beans, peas and mangetout.

Dwarf varieties grow well in containers, whereas climbing ones make excellent use of vertical space while also looking attractive.

Many salad leaves, such as rocket, are expensive and taste bland after they have been packed. Leaves are easy to grow and take up very little space. They can be grown among other plants because many crops that eventually take up a large amount of space (such as tomatoes and potatoes) do not actually use this space until they have reached their full size.

Add to this by planting a few fastgrowing radishes, spring onions or beetroot in the soil in between rows of the larger plants. By the time the space is needed by the larger plants, your fast-growing crops will be long gone.

Additionally, think about crops that will be out of the ground within a few weeks rather than months. If you are growing potatoes, grow new potato varieties that will be ready to eat in July rather than varieties that may not be ready until September.

Have seedlings of other vegetables on standby, ready to go straight into the soil as soon as your first crop has come out. Winter cabbage or broccoli seedlings can be planted after you have harvested all your peas or beans.

When using this method you should avoid crops that take a long time to grow. These include pumpkins and squashes, parsnips, leeks and main crop potatoes.

■ Brigid presents the BBC Tees Gardening show on Sundays from 1pm to 2pm. Questions can be answered on the day by emailing brigidpress@bbc.co.uk anytime during the week, texting 07786-200995 or phoning 01642-225511 during the show. Written letters can be addressed to Lazy Dayz, 10 Farm Road, Houghall, Durham,DH1 3SF.