Citizens opt to 'grow their own' food

10:18am Monday 28th April 2008

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PriceGrabber.co.uk, a leading online comparison shopping site, conducted a poll of its North-West users to gauge their gardening habits, finding many will grow their own.

The results show that 2008 will be a year of homegrown produce for many who are shunning the supermarket in favour of growing their own.

Key survey findings include the following: 29 percent said they will be growing their own vegetables this year.

50 percent said they will be growing their own produce to save money.

77 percent said they are more interested in gardening now than five years ago.

96 percent ask friends and family for gardening advice.

"It's great to see that the great British institution of gardening is as popular as ever. Our own Garden and Nursery category on PriceGrabber.co.uk has grown 287 percent since March 2007 in terms of search volume," said Russ Carroll, business development director at PriceGrabber.co.uk. "When space and time are as pinched as they seem to be nowadays, it is heartening to think of people taking time out to unwind, relax and potter in their gardens."

Of survey respondents, 43 percent said they will be growing their own herbs and 32 percent said they will be growing their own fruit. The credit crunch and fears of recession might be causing people to look for ways to trim their food bill, with 50 percent indicating they will be growing their own produce to save money. An ecoconscious 33 percent said they will be growing their own produce to reduce the environmental impact of their food.

Seventy-six percent of respondents have a garden, but of those who do not, 20 percent said that they owned a window box or other small allotment.