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VIDEO: Growing gains
WE all know we're supposed to eat five port ions of fruit and veg a day. But with supermarket prices hitting shoppers in the pocket, that is proving more difficult than ever.
Now, though, it seems people are taking matters into their own hands – by turning to growing their own.
People attracted by the low cost and health benefits of producing their own fruit and vegetables are rediscovering their green fingers.
At one Leeds garden centre – Hayes Garden World in Whinmoor – turnover has increased 25 per cent in recent months, almost entirely down to the newly-energised grow- your-own market.
Manager Jon Dixon said: "Vegetable patches are really enjoying a major renaissance. I think people are realising the amount of money they can save by growing their own produce.
"Our increase in turnover is almost solely down to first-time gardeners – or people that haven't had an interest in growing their own produce for years as they have not needed to save money. We're seeing them invest in the tools, seeds, fertiliser and other products needed to grow your own."
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It only takes a few minutes a day
He said people could begin growing their own with as little as 10 to invest – which would buy them a starter kit of a pot, compost and some plants.
If they have enough space, by the end of summer when most of the crop will be ready for harvesting, people can easily save around 10 a week – a huge return on a relatively small initial investment.
Jon said: "It is very easy to get started, the plants are already growing so they just need transferring to a pot or a patch.
"It is really simple, which is attractive to people who might not have grown before.
"It's not expensive. For instance, you can buy 12 cabbage plants for 2.99. That will be 12 organic cabbages for less than 3 – you couldn't get that deal from anywhere else and all you need to put in is bit of care and attention."
He said the centre's new customers included some unlikely gardeners – like young professionals with only balconies or backyards for their vegetable plots.
He said: "Traditionally, we've always had an older clientele, but this year we're seeing the younger generation and it's mainly vegetables they want to know how to grow.
"A lot of them don't have a lot of outside space, but you can grow lots of things in pots. Herbs are a really good thing to start with. They don't take up much room and they grow quickly so you can start using them very soon.
"Salad leaves grow really well, as do tomatoes if you have a sunny spot.
"Or you could cut a growbag in half and plant potatoes in one and onions in the other. You'd be surprised at how many you can produce."
As well as saving cash, there are major health benefits to growing your own.
"Digging in the garden will keep you fit – and your yield can be entirely organic."
Jon added: "You can control exactly what goes on to your fruit and veg . You also know it came from your doorstep – so the food miles are zero."
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
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