In the past few decades we have become more and more reliant on supermarkets for all our fruit and vegetable needs. These days, it is becoming increasingly popular to grow your own fruit and veg at home or on a little plot of land nearby. Not only can this help you save money, it’s also great for the environment and can be a rewarding experience.

The benefits don’t stop there. Think about all the exercise and fresh air you’ll be getting in the great outdoors, tending to your patch; as well as all the knowledge about nature you’ll be gaining. Whichever reason grabs you the most, you’ll need some space to start growing. The main options available are your home, your garden or on a plot of land.

In the home Just because you don’t have a garden or allotment does not mean that you can’t grow your own produce. Why not start with a herb garden on your windowsill? At the most basic level all you’ll need is a yoghurt pot, some earth and of course some seeds. Alternatively, how about a window box? If you choose this option you could try growing some lettuces and tomatoes.

In the garden If you are willing to dedicate part of your garden to your new green fingers – and green lifestyle – you could have barrels of fruit and vegetables at your disposal. A small patch is a perfect place to grow potatoes and green beans, but if you don’t want to sacrifice your flowers and other plants, try planting in-between them. Just make sure you put pegs in the ground so you remember where to find them!

Need more space? If garden or home-growing aren’t suitable options, you could think about getting a small plot of land or allotment. Your local council might have a community garden scheme or else some allotments that you can stake a claim on. Alternatively, Landshare is a scheme that matches up vacant land with growers, and the National Trust offers up parts of its land for allotment space.

Other ways in which you can help the environment include keeping water, gas and electricity wastage to a minimum. This may also help you net a cheap gas or other utility bill too. Remember to take bags out with you when you go shopping to reduce the number of plastic bags that get sent to landfill sites. Recycling is also a fantastic way to reduce your impact on the planet.

Philip Youngwoodwrites on number of energy related topics including how to get cheap gas bills.