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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Veggie Gardens Thrive in Lean Times

Seed sales set records amid recession

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(Newser) – Sales of vegetable seeds are skyrocketing this season and experts say it’s not just the local food movement or Michelle Obama’s First Garden that’s driving the craze. Americans hit hard by the recession are slashing grocery bills by growing their own, as evidenced by a 30% spike in seed sales at Wal-Mart and a shortage of staple seed stocks at suppliers nationwide.

"When times get tough, it doesn't take long for people to realize what they can do to help themselves," a mail-order seed retailer tells the Washington Post. Sellers are split on whether the new gardeners will stay with it. "You've got this big hole in your yard that you have got to fill with something," reasons a seed marketer.

New Yorkers plant vegetables in a community garden. Seed sales have spiked amid the recession as many families try to cut down on grocery costs.
New Yorkers plant vegetables in a community garden. Seed sales have spiked amid the recession as many families try to cut down on grocery costs.   (Jim Sulley/newscast)
Michelle Obama's green thumb has encouraged some Americans to try out vegetable gardening.
Michelle Obama's green thumb has encouraged some Americans to try out vegetable gardening.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Many seed sellers are seeing unprecedented demand for their products.
Many seed sellers are seeing unprecedented demand for their products.   (Shutterstock)
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3 comments
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TerrifiedCitizen
Jun 15, 09 2:47 PM CDT
With so much of our farmland disappearing, it's probably a lucky thing someone is putting seeds in the ground. Now, if we'll just take steps to assure enough water will be around to make them grow. Reply
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radnip
Jun 17, 09 11:18 PM CDT
Fewer people, few lawns.
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riffran
Jun 15, 09 3:15 PM CDT
try using AC run off, fog water collection, solar powered dew point collectors.......and swiss chard ...grows fast, good taste...lol Reply
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