If you are keen to teach your children the delights of growing your own organic produce, a backyard vegetable garden can be the perfect learning tool.

A garden can offer kids an excellent opportunity to see firsthand where food comes from - and can be an easy way to get your little ones to spend time away from the TV and enjoy the great outdoors.

Best of all, they'll love helping you create delicious dishes with the fruits of their labour - including seasonal salads and fragrant roasted vegetables.

To get started with your backyard garden, you may need to hire some earthmoving equipment. Depending on the size of your space, this could be as simple as using a spade and a wheelbarrow to clear an area, or diggers for a larger plot of land.

Next, you will want to do some research into the types of plants that will thrive in your area - consider your garden's exposure to sunlight, your climate and most importantly, the types of vegetables your family likes to eat.

Once the planting is completed, you will want to protect your newly-sown garden - from both the sun and pesky predators.

You may wish to invest in sun sails or other shade structures, as well as mesh fencing to keep out birds and other curious creatures.