In UK our garden (inherited as such) was made of paving stones, I grew everything in tubs, so when I came here the ambition was to have a huge veg garden. 5 years on and still trying, each year a new disaster, from mites to caterpillars, floods, drought and piglets pillaging through the strawberries. This year, I promise, ...... but I say that every year.
Which just goes to prove that a garden and an allotment may be far more productive than you realise.