One of the peculiar trends this year is an increase in home gardens. An AARP article, Victory Gardens Are Growing Anew, describes several reasons for the phenomenon.
Some seem to be doing it to save money, admittedly a big concern during this economic downturn. Given the money I spend each year on my garden that seems unrealistic but maybe I'm just not frugal enough. However, because of global warming, the less distance your food has to travel the less energy is wasted. Straight from your back yard doesn't get any closer.
Some new gardeners seem to be coming into it because of concerns over the purity and safety of food after so many food safety alerts and recalls. A few seem to be view gardening as a form of exercise. Others, because of the rising cost of gasoline, see gardening as a cheaper way to relax than travel.
The article claims that gardening is a "45- to 70-year-old prime-time activity." Given how large a portion of the population is now in that age range it would explain the spike in gardeners. In addition, having our first lady, Michelle Obama, drawing attention to gardening by planting a vegetable garden at the White House probably didn't hurt.
For me it's one of the few outdoor activities I enjoy and the taste of home grown food can't be beat. Many of the fruits and vegetables you find in grocery stores have been picked while still green so that they ship well.
Not ready to test your green thumb but still want fresh food? Not to worry! Just find your local farmer's market and you can still enjoy fruits and vegetables that taste great. Plus you won't have to find a place to store garden tools and supplies.
Recession grows interest in seeds, vegetable gardening - from USA Today
How to Grow a Recession Garden - from The Gardener's Rake
Twenty Dollar Recession Garden challenge from The Gardener's Rake.
I could learn some things about gardening more frugally from Denise.
Recession Proof Gardening from This Garden is Illegal
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