If you're living in an apartment, a home with limited outdoor space, or renting, a traditional veggie patch may not be an option.
But if you think about space differently you can still grow your own food, and one of the ways to do that is by thinking vertically.
Here's what experts say about using vertical space to grow herbs and veggies.
How to get started
Horticulturalist Belinda Thackeray lives on Gadigal land in Sydney and says using vertical space can make a big difference.
Ms Thackeray is the City of Sydney's community greening program manager, where she looks after the Sydney City Farm.
She suggests scoping out your space first.
"If you want to grow edible plants you need as much sun as you can get … you can sometimes get away with four hours' sun, but ideally we go for six hours."
She adds that reflective light can also help.
This may also give the opportunity to block any unwanted reflected light with your plants.
Urban gardener and content creator, Kia Codd lives in Naarm/Melbourne. She says when looking at the sun exposure of a spot, think long term because the direction and path of the sun will vary over the year.
"Try to predict what that might look like in different seasons."
How can you create a vertical garden?
Ms Thackeray says, "it's really worth doing your research" before buying or constructing a vertical garden because there are a lot of options.
You can make something yourself, although it may not last as long, she caveats.
She's seen versions created using fabric pockets, wooden pallets and other recycled materials.
She suggests a modular system as a good option because you can add modules gradually.
Plant stands and hanging planters can also help gardeners utilise vertical space, she says.
And, if you're a renter, consider something you can dismantle that isn't permanently fixed to a wall.
Ms Codd created her herb garden by buying a wire frame, that she can hang different planters from. It's convenient because she's in a rental and she can move it as seasons change, she says.
What herbs and veggies work best?
Ms Thackeray says plants with small root systems are the easiest fit for most vertical gardens.
Herbs are a "really great" option. Leafy greens, lettuces, strawberries and tomatoes can also grow well.
"We encourage people to plant flowers in with their edibles … that helps them attract pollinating insects, it also looks pretty."
Ms Codd says larger containers and more depth mean the planting options are greater: "Tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, [or] cauliflower."
This might be most relevant to the lower levels of some vertical gardens.
Ms Codd says if she's ever unsure about the minimum depth required for a plant, or the ideal soil conditions, she checks online.
Common mistakes to avoid
Ms Codd says a common mistake is trying to grow a plant in a container the wrong size or depth.
From experience, she says it can also be tempting to overcrowd containers, but she has found most success by following spacing guidelines where possible.
She adds that it's easy to overwater a vertical garden, or to not give it enough water.
She waters her herb garden daily during summer, and less frequently throughout the other seasons, pushing her finger into the soil to tell when it's time to water. "If it feels dry, water," she says.
Ms Thackeray says some vertical systems include a drip feed watering system or you can consider setting one up yourself with a tap timer.
However she says plants shouldn't be constantly damp, as this can lead to fungal disease, and pooled or dripping water can stain building surfaces. Some systems include a drip tray to combat this, but you could also repurpose something yourself.
Ms Thackeray says it's worth investing in "good soil" that is "relatively free draining".
If you're planting seasonal edible plants, Ms Thackeray also recommends renewing the soil before replanting. If that is not possible, adding compost or fertiliser to the soil can help.
