If you do grow stuff in pots, then you do need to be a little more systematic with the watering regime..
this is actually a plus for me - i am systematic with most things, to the point of OCD, so that works well.. i.e. i water my current plants (aforementioned 'erbs) at 06:30 every morning before my cornflakes, then again as soon as i get in from work, then again at bed time.. same regime every day, without fail.. loves it..
If I were you I'd build raised beds over part of your grass area (just wooden frames about 12" high) as big/small as you like. Fill them with topsoil/compost and you can grow whatever you like.
hmm, not a bad idea.. that way, i can dedicate part of my garden to it, and not have pots everywhere, yet i won't be tearing up my grass.. i'd have to buy the kits, though, despite...
If you are going to go down the raised bed route, DO NOT BUY THE KITS! They are exorbitantly expensive. Just buy some Gravel Boards ( find them in the Fencing section of yr preferred DIY supplier) and cut them to the length/width proportions which suit yr garden.
...because i'm a lazy sod.. i don't even own a saw, and i'm not about to buy one just so i can actually SAW something when i can buy it ready made
seriously, i'm that lazy - i am the definition of "get a man in"
(paging basil to this thread).. i've got a toilet roll holder that i need to put up in the downstairs loo - it only needs 2 holes drilling in the wall, but it's been sitting around for 2 months waiting to be put up because i'm waiting to collar a passing builder to do it for me lol..
they're not that expensive anyway - amazon seems to suggest £20 or so:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=outdoor&field-keywords=raised beds&rh=n:11052671,k:raised beds a few bits of wood, a saw, and some nails would cost me that, so i may as well get the kit!