Columnist asks: Is gardening really worth the trouble?

I guess it was only a matter of time before someone tried to burst garden-retail’s bubble. Garden centers have been reaping the benefits of articles discussing the nation’s newfound interest in gardening. But last week I came across this. A columnist for the Boston Herald asks, “Is gardening really worth the trouble?” The author predicts that “recession gardens” are a passing fad that will wither away under the summer sun.

Maybe I’m deluded, but I sincerely hope that at least some of the folks sucked in by the vegetable garden craze will get hooked and become “true gardeners.” Is this wishful thinking? What’s your take on the situation?

-- Sarah

Comments

[Bob Friedl]

I think a small percentage of "new" vegetable gardeners will continue backyard growing in the future. I am hoping that a larger percentage of those taking care of their own lawns and flower gardens for the first time this year continue in the future.

[ricarod maxwell]

Thank God the anti-American, anti-business leftist journalists, like the negative "Journalist" at the Boston Herald, are failing. We can only hope that, for the sake of ALL businesses and citizens, that our current Marxist Government fails and good old fashioned American capitalism returns to save the day.
Yes Gardening has its fads within that ebb and flow over the years. I don't see edible (vegetable) gardening becoming less popular or necessary until we get rid of socialism.

[George]

It's really important that we aid the consumer in the effort of gardening, especially veggies. Do our stores have planting dates posted, helpful tips of what to do next, expected harvest dates? Is our store planting a veggie garden for consumers to witness? For many veggies can be very rewarding, but they will need help and guidance. As an Indy GC we need to make sure we are going overboard to provide excellent assistance. Do you have an employee assigned to planning a veggie garden? We cannot assume consumers will just start planting flowers as a result of planting a veggie garden. Are we showing consumers how to mix annuals with veggies to decorate their veggie garden?

[Independent]

Why oh why must politics be brought into everything?? One of the best things about gardening is that it's supposed to be free from incessant blathering about our society. It's a really nice little escape but apparently, for some people, they can't ever separate the two. I agree with the first person, that a few people will remain hooked.

[Kathy J, Washington Gardener Magazine]

I also think a small number will catch the gardening bug and stick with it and that is great.

And "recession garden" is a ridiculous term. NOWHERE have a find actual stats to back up this claim that people are veggie gardening more becuase of the economy. The trend to veggies started a few years ago and I think relates far more to the local foods and organic/green movements.

[greg draiss]

Does this moron understand that idiots like himself are the reason newspapers are a passing fad............

Why? because idiotic morons such as himself are out of touch with what is really going on down here in the shadow of the towers of the fourth branch of government.

And that comes from not only being a horticulturist but a journalist who happens to write for six survivng weekly papers.

Greg Draiss
garden guru to the new middle class
(the rich who got soaked in this recession too)

[Pam Bennett - OSU Extension]

Does the writer realize that more people are gardening not just for the economy but for the "green" movement? Local foods means less environmental impact due to shipping in foods from great distances and the fact that they can control their own destiny when it comes to food safety issues. Granted, a vegetable garden isn't going to make a HUGE impact on a family budget but with all of these factors together, people are likely to continue gardening after the recession for the other reasons. I am also seeing a lot more young people getting started in gardening - a great opportunity that garden centers should be jumping on.