Vegetable gardens: we've seen this before

Americans love affair with the vegetable garden is thriving with spring, but will it wilt in the heat of July? Our readers have a split opinion. Here is the Fresh Talk poll that concluded April 6.

Will the widely reported increase in backyard vegetable gardening this year have any effect on commercial fruit and vegetable shippers?
Yes, more than usual 4 (33%)
No, no more than normal 7 (58%)
Unsure 1 (8%)

Here are some thoughts about the question from various members of Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group Google Discussion board. Also check out the linkedin group of the same name.

Tom. Don't think it will make a dent in conventional product and a negligible dip in organics.
The last time the trend went this way the number of gardens did not rise over the single digits. And the trend was temporary.
Karl (Google board)


Last time I tried my own vegetable gardening, I eventually found out that high quality, affordable produce could be found down the street (i.e. the store). Perhaps, the rising interest in vegetable gardening could eventually drive "more experienced customers" to purchase vegetables at the store.
Luis (Google board)


Yes. The effect should be positive for the commercial shippers. First it will create an appreciation for what it takes to get good looking fresh produce to their tables at the amazing low prices that we find on the grocery store shelves. For the long term, if some of these new gardening families have kids who develop a fascination and passion for fruit and vegetable gardening and choose a related subject as a major in college then it will help the whole industry.
Mark (Google board)