More people growing food at home as grocery costs remain high

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lawn and garden activities are at a 17-year high, according to the National Gardening Association, with over 43% of Americans growing some kind of food to eat at home.

The Rise of At-Home Food Gardening

The association’s data shows food gardening decreasing from 35% of American households in 2018 to 33% in 2019. That trend reversed in 2020, growing to more than 41%. The Patio Farmer, Erin Hostetler, has been a farmer for more than 10 years. She launched her business in 2017, helping individuals and businesses grow their own food. Hostetler said she saw an explosion of people wanting a green thumb in 2020, and business has been steady ever since.

Reasons for the Increase

“It was a matter of resilience. Wanting to know where their food was coming from, wanting to have access to fresh food at home. Other people were just simply looking for something to do,” Hostetler said.

At the same time, grocery prices have been on the rise. The Gardening Association said those costs could contribute to the increase in gardening. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, at-home food prices increased by 11.4% in 2022. In 2023, it increased by another 5.8%.

Financial Benefits of Growing Food at Home

Hostetler said gardening at home could take a couple of years before you see the financial benefits. “It takes a little bit of time to really start reaping those financial rewards on your growing space, especially if it’s something you’re brand new to,” Hostetler said. Still, through her podcast and master classes, Hostetler said anyone can start growing at home, even with space confinements.

The Benefits of Growing Food at Home

“There are so many benefits to growing food at home,” Hostetler said. “I think the most important thing is that you just start growing something that you can eat. It’s really exciting.”

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