The number of gardeners has increased each year, beginning in 2007.
A recent survey by the Garden Writers of America also shows an increase in young people (under 40) starting to garden.
The survey of 1,000 people nationwide found that 38 percent of Americans had a vegetable garden in 2009. Of those planning to a garden in 2010, 37 percent plan to expand.
The increase in gardening seems to mirror the deepening recession. If the recession was ending, as the media and the President likes to tell us, then why we people expanding their gardening?
Why are people planning to expand their gardens to help grow more of their own food, if the economy is recovering? Because it's not.
As you know, I started a business last year called ‘Garden Planters’ because I saw this trend coming and it has been a very good investment decision. As the recession deepens and inflation becomes a major problem, we may see the number of people gardening move from 38 percent to 50-60 percent.
My Garden Expansion
Like 37 percent of you, I also expanded my garden this year. But I didn’t have enough room in my yard, so I expanded my garden into my parent’s back yard.
I added 20x10 = 200 square feet to my garden. Two years ago I wrote about my garden and calculated the value of each square foot, which came to just under $8.
That means that my garden expansion this year is worth about 200x8 = $1,600 dollars, a nice replacement to my wage and profit sharing freeze at my job.
It you are looking for a way to reduce your food expense, consider expanding your garden.