Jbug, I bought a tomato "tree" http://www.gardeners.com/Tomato-Tree...Cat.36-419.cpd but they're having trouble getting it delivered in time (just sent me a $5 coupon because they've had to delay again and it won't be ready to ship until May 11 :-)

I use to have boxes on my boyfriend's/husband's patio and bush string beans and peas do really well! I have landscapers starting a lot of work on my whole yard today, including building me a little raised "vegetable garden" about 3' x 8' so I'm trying to think what to plant there. The tomato tree will go up on my balcony to block the light from a neighbor's too high backyard light so I can have my balcony door blinds up at night to get breezes without having the light in my eye :-)

I'm thinking a section for herbs, maybe some potatoes and onion sets? I haven't decided; I just know it's probably too late for lettuces, maybe for longer-growing things like melons. How about peppers? You could grow a bell pepper plant or two as easily as tomatoes.