Are you familiar with square foot gardening? It removes the concept that many people have of planing vegetable in rows, which are appropriate for large farms. You can grow more in small space, and it adapts very well to building containers for patios and other small areas. Check out their website at www.squarefootgardening.com

I created a 4x4 garden and was overloaded with tomatoes, peppers & egglplant as well as herbs (oregano, parsley & basil in one square foot!)