Recent article info: 'Convenience is the name of the game in gardening. Mihalek says he believes vertical gardening hasn't taken off as was expected because it’s viewed as complicated. Cornerstone Hardware’s White agrees, saying he believes containerization is the answer instead, as it’s easier to tend.'
This suggests the Growermate Rack may be a good solution for many, as it is supremely easy to use and is basically a cart for containers using the least amount of space possible!
Read here:
Room to Grow
Food-gardening blooms in popularity
Consumers are switching up their décor, and their plants.
“There’s this whole push for ‘farm to table’ that everyone’s doing, and that carries over to the yard,” says Peter Mihalek, managing editor of Lawn and Garden Retailer magazine.
The garden has returned to function. Today’s Garden Center reports that annual National Gardening Association’s annual survey found that in 2012,the national food-gardening spend is $1.2 billion larger than the nation’s flower-gardening spend.
Garden Media Group’s McCoy says television chefs have influenced consumers who want to grow their own produce. “It’s not a matter of economy,” she says. “It’s a matter of taste, health and bragging rights.”
Some could have limited space, with concrete taking up more yard than soil. In such cases, Mihalek says people are trying to get the most out of what room they have by using containers, and vendors are meeting the need with a variety of shapes and products.
Convenience is the name of the game in gardening. Mihalek says he believes vertical gardening hasn’t taken off as was expected because it’s viewed as complicated. Cornerstone Hardware’s White agrees, saying he believes containerization is the answer instead, as it’s easier to tend.
“Gardening is hard to do it on any scale,” White says. “I think we’re going to have to make it a little more simple for people to do it.”
There could be one untapped market for the hardware industry: companion planting.
Mihalek says retailers should educate consumers on the benefits of growing plants together that complement each other well. A retailer could suggest planting marigolds next to tomato plants to help keep the insects away, and thereby make two sales instead of just one. It’s a natural add-on.
Trends to Know:
- “Farm to table” food gardening is in vogue.
- Container gardening could grow in popularity.
- Gardeners should consider companion planting.
