---
title: Backyard Gardeners Growing More Vegetables
date: 2011-03-28T10:16:57Z
modified: 2011-03-28T10:16:57Z
permalink: "https://elizabethyarnell.com/backyard-gardeners-growing-more-vegetables/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 1792
categories:
  - Gardening
  - Living Naturally
tags:
  - backyard garden
  - backyard garden stats
  - grow your own vegetables
  - herb gardening
  - national gardening survey
author: Elizabeth
---

A [nationwide survey](http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fruit-and-vegetable-gardening/MY01715 "survey of gardeners planting vegetables") of more than 1 million households indicates that spending for vegetables and fruits grown in household gardens now surpasses spending for lawns, trees, shrubs – and even flowers. The same survey unearthed the following trends among gardeners:

53% grow vegetables in their gardens
90% plan to eat the produce fresh
66% will share with friends
36% will can or preserve produce
4% will donate food to others

Another survey, this one by the National Gardening Association, looked at the main reasons people grow food in their gardens:

58% desire better tasting food
54% want to save money on food bills
51% want better quality food
48% want to grow food they know is safe

Are you planning to plant vegetables this summer? Alas, both my front and back yards have lost all sun as the trees have grown in my neighborhood, and for the last few summers I’ve been limited to growing herbs and tomatoes in pots. This summer will likely be the same story.