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Grow Your Own Savings

Lyssa Murray | Aug 27, 2024

Homegrown Health & Savings: The Benefits of Gardening

Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing exactly where your food comes from. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, you can harvest many benefits from gardening. We surveyed 1,000 Americans to learn more about their experiences with home gardening and how it has impacted their lives.

 

Key Takeaways

  • 68% of British and 58% of American gardeners garden in the fall.
  • Carrots, lettuce, and onions are the most commonly grown fall vegetables among US and UK gardeners.
  • Nearly 50% of US and UK gardeners report that rising food prices influenced their decision to grow fall vegetables.
  • 62% of British gardeners find fall gardening more challenging than other seasons, compared to just 46% of American gardeners.
  • 17% of US and UK gardeners learn from TikTok.
  • The No. 1 misconception about fall gardening is that the weather is too cold for most vegetables to grow.
  • On average, home gardeners save around $80 a month on groceries by growing their own food.
  • Nearly 60% of Americans say inflation’s impact on the cost of fruits and vegetables prompted them to start or expand a home garden.
  • 67% of home gardeners have experienced improved mental health since starting a home garden.
  • Nearly 1 in 10 home gardeners primarily eat only the produce they grow at home.

 

Why Americans Garden

  • The average American spends $350 a month on groceries. Spending by generation:
  • Baby boomers: $330
  • Gen X: $375
  • Millennials: $340
  • Gen Z: $270
  • Nearly 60% of Americans say inflation’s impact on the cost of fruits and vegetables prompted them to start or expand a home garden. Percentage in each generation who agree: 
    • Baby boomers: 49%
    • Gen X: 60%
    • Millennials: 56%
    • Gen Z: 73%
  • On average, home gardeners spend about $200 to set up their gardens. Based on the average savings from growing produce at home, these initial costs pay for themselves within 3 months.
  • On average, home gardeners save about $80 a month on groceries by growing their own food. Monthly savings breakdown by crop type:
    • Vegetables: $40
    • Fruits: $22
    • Herbs: $17
  • Fresh produce needs met through home gardening efforts:
    • 60% meet up to 25% of their produce needs through home gardening.
    • 29% meet 26-50% of their produce needs through home gardening.
    • 10% meet 51-75% of their produce needs through home gardening.
    • 1% meet 76-100% of their produce needs through home gardening.
  • Nearly 10% of home gardeners primarily eat only the produce they grow at home.
  • 67% of home gardeners have experienced improved mental health since starting a home garden, while 50% have seen better physical health.
  • Top reasons Americans don’t grow their own food:
    • Lack of space: 18%
    • Lack of time: 17%
    • It’s too much work: 15%
    • Not interested: 11%
    • Not knowing where to get started 9%

 

 Fall Harvest: US vs. UK Vegetable Gardening Trends

As the crisp air of fall settles in, gardeners across the US and the UK are preparing for a bountiful harvest. But how do gardening practices differ between these two countries, and what trends are emerging this season? 

Our most recent study compares fall vegetable gardening habits, popular crops, and the unique challenges faced by gardeners on both sides of the Atlantic. This detailed analysis offers valuable takeaways to enhance your autumn harvest, including who's gardening, what they're growing, and why.

 

Popular Fall Crops: US vs. UK

  • 68% of British and 58% of American gardeners participate in fall gardening.
    • Generational breakdown of Britons gardening in the fall:
      • Baby boomers (84%)
      • Gen X (75%)
      • Millennials (69%)
      • Gen Z (50%)
    • Generational breakdown of Americans gardening in the fall:
      • Baby boomers (74%)
      • Gen X (66%)
      • Millennials (59%)
      • Gen Z (43%)
  • Vegetables American gardeners grow in the fall:
    • Carrots (37%)
    • Lettuce (31%)
    • Onions (29%)
    • Spinach (25%)
    • Garlic (24%)
    • Broccoli (21%)
    • Cabbage (19%)
    • Kale (19%)
    • Peas (14%)
    • Cauliflower (11%)
  • Vegetables British gardeners grow in the fall:
    • Carrots (47%)
    • Onions (38%)
    • Lettuce (23%)
    • Cabbage (20%)
    • Garlic (20%)
    • Broccoli (17%)
    • Parsnips (14%)
    • Spinach (14%)
    • Brussels sprouts (14%)
    • Peas (13%)
  • 48% of US and 46% of UK gardeners report that rising food prices influenced their decision to grow their own fall vegetables.
    • Rising food prices by US generation:
      • Baby boomers (42%)
      • Gen X (46%)
      • Millennials (48%)
      • Gen Z (52%)
    • Rising food prices by UK generation:
      • Baby boomers (28%)
      • Gen X (41%)
      • Millennials (45%)
      • Gen Z (63%)
  • The time of year American gardeners start preparing their fall vegetable garden:
    • Early Summer (June - July): 13%
    • Mid-Summer (August): 34%
    • Late Summer (September): 31%
    • Early Fall (October):  6%
    • Just before planting: 5%
    • No set preparation time: 11%
  • The time of year Briton gardeners start preparing for the Fall vegetable garden:
    • Early Summer (June - July): 14%
    • Mid-Summer (August): 24%
    • Late Summer (September): 30%
    • Early Fall (October): 5%
    • Just before planting: 9%
    • No set preparation time: 18%

 

Fall Gardening Challenges and Resources

  • 62% of British gardeners find fall gardening more challenging than other seasons, compared to just 46% of American gardeners.
  • Primary challenges with fall gardening among US gardeners:
    • Unpredictable weather/climate conditions (44%)
    • Limited daylight hours (36%)
    • Protecting plants from early frost (34%)
    • Time constraints (26%)
    • Lack of motivation during colder months (24%)
  • Primary challenges with fall gardening among UK gardeners:
    • Unpredictable weather/climate conditions (59%)
    • Limited daylight hours (54%)
    • Lack of motivation during colder months (43%)
    • Protecting plants from early frost (41%)
    • Time constraints (29%)
  • Primary sources for gardening techniques and tips among US gardeners:
    • YouTube (56%)
    • Friends and family (47%)
    • Gardening blogs/websites (34%)
    • Reddit (32%)
    • Gardening books/magazines (23%)
  • Primarily sources for gardening techniques and tips among UK gardeners:
    • Friends and family (55%)
    • YouTube (49%)
    • Gardening blogs/websites (35%)
    • Gardening books/magazines (29%)
    • Gardening TV programs (28%)
  • 17% of US and UK gardeners learn from TikTok.
  • Top misconceptions about fall gardening among US and UK gardeners:
    • 1: Fall is too cold for most vegetables to grow.
    • 2: You can't start new crops in the fall.
    • 3: Fall gardening requires much more effort than other seasons.
    • 4: Fall vegetables are less nutritious than those grown in other seasons.
  • US and UK gardeners suggest that carrots, lettuce, and potatoes are considered easy to grow for novice gardeners, with carrots being the most frequently mentioned. Gardeners favor these vegetables for their simplicity in cultivation, minimal care requirements, and suitability for the fall growing season.

Methodology

We surveyed 1,000 Americans to explore their experiences with growing their own food. The average age of respondents was 38, and they comprised 49% males, 49% females, and 2% non-binary individuals. Their generational makeup included 18% baby boomers, 40% Gen X, 39% millennials, and 3% Gen Z.

For the Fall Harvest study, we surveyed 500 Americans and 500 Britons about their fall gardening experiences and practices. Among Americans, the average age was 39. Generationally, 6% of respondents reported as baby boomers, 21% as Gen X, 51% as millennials, and 22% as Gen Z. Among Britons, the average age was 41. Generationally, 10% of respondents reported as baby boomers, 23% as Gen X, 47% as millennials, and 20% as Gen Z.

About First Saturday Lime

First Saturday Lime offers eco-friendly and non-toxic pest control solutions that are safe for pets, people, and the planet. It is an ideal choice for gardeners, providing benefits that extend beyond pest control by enhancing soil health and plant resilience. With its straightforward application, First Saturday Lime is perfect for gardeners of any skill level, especially beginners looking for a reliable and easy-to-use product."

 

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You can spread these findings for noncommercial purposes; just make sure to link back to this page.

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