- Posted July 31, 2011
Consumer watchdog Which? has confirmed what The Edible Garden Show organisers have known for a long time – more people are joining the grow-your-own revolution to save money and lead healthier lives.
A Which? report has revealed one in four people now grow edible crops to cope with rocketing food and fuel prices. Researchers also found consumers were turning to home-grown produce so they could eat healthily.
In the consumer magazine’s online survey of over 1,000 people, 59 per cent said they had turned to growing their own because “increases in food prices mean I’m trying to be more economical”.
A third said their main reason for becoming more self-sufficient was because they were “trying to eat more healthily”. Meanwhile 22 per cent said they had “less disposable income to spend on food” as higher fuel bills and other household expenses had drastically reduced the amount of cash they had left to spend each month.
The results come as no surprise to organisers of The Edible Garden Show, the national grow-your-own event which made its successful debut at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire in March.
Spokesman Paul Smith, who was instrumental in helping to develop the concept of The Edible Garden Show, said: “The Which? report confirms what we have been saying all along – the growing trend towards home-grown food is not a gimmicky fad but a lifestyle change. People struggling to make ends meet in the current economic climate are now seeing that grow-your-own food can be a cheaper option and is certainly healthier.
“Consumers are embracing the grow-your-own culture. Families have discovered that planting easy-to-grow vegetables such as tomatoes, runner beans, potatoes and courgettes in the garden, patio or in planters on a balcony is rewarding and can save them money.”
Paul added: “It is great to see people out in their gardens and allotments working together, growing together and sharing surplus harvests with their family, friends and neighbours.
“The huge public demand for home-grown produce shows no sign of dissipating. The phenomenal success of The Edible Garden Show 2011 in March is a testament to this. We have seen an enormous surge in demand for innovative grow-your-own products and services. Many of these will be showcased at our show next year.”
The Edible Garden Show is the only national UK event dedicated to grow-your-own fruit and vegetables and home produce. The event returns to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on March 16-18, 2012.
About The Edible Garden Show:
Staged for the first time in March 2011, The Edible Garden Show is the UK’s only national event dedicated to the phenomenally popular concept of grow-your-own fruit and vegetables. The show attracts many thousands of visitors – seasoned experts and novice gardeners alike – thanks to its irresistible mixture of exhibits, seminars and workshops.
Attractions for the 2012 event – taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on March 16-18 – will include demonstrations and top tips from gardening experts and high-profile chefs, advice on grow your own, brew your own, beekeeping and livestock, plus educational projects for children.
July 29, 2011
Media contact:
Paul Smith Associates
Tel: +44 (0) 1420 22532; email: theediblegardenshow@paulsmithassociates.co.uk
Note to media: Digital images are available by contacting Paul Smith Associates.