Recession Gardening: Demand for Urban Gardens Grows
By Vanessa Richins
They may be worried about the economy, the safety of their produce, or simply desiring the splendid taste that comes with homegrown vegetables.
Whatever the reason, one thing is clear : 2009 will have even more vegetable growers than usual.
“We’ve seen almost double demand,” says Tracy Lee, director of horticulture at the seed company W. Atlee Burpee Co. in Warminster, Pa. (burpee.com). “It’s amazing.”
Many people are looking to find ways to ease their budget woes in a plummeting economy. Seeds and transplants can provide vegetables in your diet for a fraction of the cost.
An increase in seed sales is “typical when we see an economic downturn,” according to Stephanie Turner, director of seed product at Park Seed Co., another venerable catalog house in Greenwood, S.C. (parkseed.com). “People are trying to stay home and beautify what they have and grow their own food.”
It’s not just about money, though. Think back to the tomato/salmonella scare in summer 2008. As tomatoes were pulled from store shelves and restaurants, it caused people to wonder more about the potentials present for contamination in commercial farming.
When you grow your own food, you are in control. Pesticides are on your food only if you use them. As long as you wash your hands properly, you won’t have the threat of Hepatitis A, salmonella or other contaminants to worry about.
A third factor is the Localvore movement, which I profiled before. Citizens concerned with the environment are opting to eat only food that has been grown in their area. What closer than their own backyard?
Why are you gardening this year?
February 17th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Wouldn’t it be lovely if this isn’t just a passing fad. More gardens, more gardeners, more attractive neighborhoods, teaching kids how to grow plants. A welcome change from just buying more stuff.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:52 am
I am researching urban/rooftop/container gardening because we have moved to town. I have always done gardening on a larger scale and had compost, etc. Now I have very little space in this Victorian farmhouse, right on a corner, very shaded with little-to-no yard. I do have a flat roof over the screen porch, and the door that opens onto it is right off the upstairs bathroom. So I wouldn’t have to lug water upstairs. If I do this, though, I want to grow enough to make it worthwhile – not just a few salads. I have bookmarked your site and look forward to future articles.