A nationwide survey indicates that spending for vegetables and fruits grown in household gardens now surpasses spending for lawns, trees, shrubs – and even flowers. The same survey unearthed the following trends among gardeners:
53% grow vegetables in their gardens
90% plan to eat the produce fresh
66% will share with friends
36% will can or preserve produce
4% will donate food to others
Another survey, this one by the National Gardening Association, looked at the main reasons people grow food in their gardens:
58% desire better tasting food
54% want to save money on food bills
51% want better quality food
48% want to grow food they know is safe
-“Calling All Gardeners,” by Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., March 23, 2011, MayoClinic.com