One hundred pounds of tomatoes from just 100 square feet. Twenty pounds of carrots from 24 square feet. Delicious vegetables from a 15 x 20 foot plot. Believe it or not, it is not impossible to grow your own vegetable garden with crops of this nature. All it takes is a little patience and smart tactics to get the most out of your garden space. Follow these tips and tricks to plan the vegetable garden of your dreams.

Develop a practical plan.The first step to growing a healthy garden is to mark exactly where you want the beds to go. Consider the size, shape and location of your garden to figure out the best setup for you. Keep in mind that it can always be changed over time if necessary.

Expert gardeners agree that building up the soil is the single most important factor in pumping up yields. A deep, organically rich soil encourages the growth of healthy, extensive roots that can reach more nutrients and water. The result: extra lush, extra productive growth above ground.

The fastest way to get the deep layer of fertile soil is to make raised beds. Raised beds provide up to four times more space than the same amount of space planted in rows. This is due not only to their loose, fertile soil but also to effective distances. Using less space for paths gives you more space to grow plants.