91Èȱ¬

A record number of Brits are planning to grow their own fruit and veg this year, with enjoyment, better flavour and improving health the main motivators. The survey of nearly 3,000 readers of 91Èȱ¬ Magazines found that nearly 60% of us are planning to get planting this year, with potatoes the most popular vegetable and tomatoes the most popular fruit favoured by growers, followed by courgettes and runner beans.

The survey was commissioned at the start of Gardeners' World Magazine's Grow Yourself Healthy Week (11-15th April), which aims to get Brits growing their own to boost the health of the nation. The survey shows the numbers growing their own rising, up four per cent year on year. It also seems that growing your own is seen as a way to ‘grow yourself wealthy’ with 40% taking to the garden to save money. Lack of a large outdoor space is no barrier for urban Britons with 55% of us now growing in pots and containers, and 12% improvising by using a windowsill.

Some of the main findings in the Gardeners' World Magazine survey were:

Why people grow their own

1. Enjoy the process (83%)
2. Better flavour (75%)
3. For healthy eating (50%)
4. Saves me money (40%)
5. To know my food has been grown organically (35%)

Which veg are you growing this year?

1. Potatoes (65%)
2. Courgettes (59%)
3. Runner beans (58%)
4. Carrots (57%)
5. French beans (55%)

Which fruit are you growing this year?

1. Tomatoes (79%)
2. Apples (65%)
3. Strawberries (62%)
4. Rhubarb (58%)
5. Raspberries (57%)
6. Blackberries (57%)

Where do you currently grow your own vegetables?

1. In pots and containers (55%)
2. Dedicated vegetable bed (46%)
3. Greenhouse (29%)
4. In borders (26%)
5. On a windowsill (12%)
6. Allotment (9%)

What are the main reasons you don’t plan to grow your own in 2011?

1. Too many failed crops (45%)
2. I don't have enough crops to make it worthwhile (24%)
3. Too time-consuming (18%)
4. Too expensive (10%)
5. No difference in taste to shop bought (6%)

According to Adam Pasco, Gardeners' World editor: "Surprisingly, only 3% of the fruit and veg we eat in the UK is homegrown, and we’re aiming to boost this level during 2011. Our survey shows that people really can see the benefits of growing their own crops – saving money and feeling happier in the process. We're urging everyone to take up the challenge to grow themselves healthy so, even if people have only a patio or windowsill, they can still grow something great to eat – and feel the benefit."

The April edition of Gardeners' World Magazine is on sale now with a step-by-step guide to sowing superfood beans. contains a starter pack with everything you need to grow your own.

NOTES TO EDITORS
About Grow Your Own Week
Grow Yourself Healthy Week is Gardeners' World Magazine's initiative to prove to the nation that it is healthier to grow your own. The Grow Your Own survey was carried out by 2,823 readers of 91Èȱ¬ magazine readers in an online survey.

About Gardeners' World Magazine
Gardeners' World Magazine is the market-leading gardening title, providing readers with key practical advice and tips on gardening. It has a circulation of 212,439 (ABC figures July-Dec10).

Toby Hicks