So all you have to spend is $25. What kind garden can you have? If you can be creative, even with this little amount you can enjoy some of your own lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs.

Here is what you need for a container garden on your balcony, patio, or front porch—just make sure the area gets lots of sun. Note prices may vary a little depending on where you live and the time of year.

List of items needed:

• One 18-liter bag of organic potting soil ($6.00)

• One 16-inch container ($8.00)

• One tomato plant (in a 6 inch pot) ($3.50)

• Four lettuce plants ($3.00)

• Two basil plants ($1.50)

• Two parsley plants ($1.50)

• Four pansies ($1.50)

• Four 4- to 6-foot lengths of wood stakes or a wire tomato cage (you can often find these for free; tree branches or bamboo will work)

• Masking or packing tape

Place the stakes to the inside edge of the pot and secure them to the pot with tape. Plant the tomato in the center of the pot, filling up the pot with the soil and making sure the stakes are secure. If you are using a wire tomato cage, you can place it around the tomato plant after is has been planted into the soil. Plant the lettuce, parsley, and basil around the tomato plant.

Wash out the pot that the tomato plant came in and then plant the pansies into it. You now have a mini-garden that you can put on your balcony or patio. Cut the outer leaves of the lettuce and parsley, nip the top of the basil every few days, and you will be enjoying food from your mini-garden for several months.

If you wanted you could exchange the lettuce for spinach or other greens, use any annual herb you liked rather than the basil or parsley, and switch out the pansy for another annual flower. Enjoy.

▼   $25 container garden design