Victory over food prices: Home gardens boom

LIMA - Karen Jantzi hasn't had a vegetable garden since she lived with her parents. This year, she will join the 7 million Americans who plan to plant their first vegetable gardens.

"I've had a few tomato plants in past years," Jantzi said. "But this year I want to go all out."

Sixty-five years ago, the government urged Americans to "plant more in ‘44" as a patriotic gesture to support the troops during World War II.

In 2009, vegetable gardening is experiencing a revival, as Americans struggle to make ends meet. A recent National Gardening Association poll projects a 20 percent rise in the number of households growing vegetables this year over last, including 7 million new gardens.

Victory Gardens supplied 40 percent of the nation's fresh produce during World War II. Although vegetable gardens won't generate this type of supply today, garden suppliers brace for a busy year as many residents see gardens as a victory over high food prices.

Even first lady Michelle Obama planted a vegetable garden on the White House's South Lawn, the first "first garden" since Eleanor Roosevelt installed hers.

"There's something beneficial for the soul working outside and watching something grow," Jantzi said.

Growing trend

Local greenhouse owners and vegetable seedling merchants agree they've seen an increase in business this year.

"We have a lot of people coming in, asking questions about first-time gardens," said Lou Ann Egbert, owner of Village Green Garden Center, in Wapakoneta. "There is definitely going to be an increase in vegetable gardens this year."

Glen Arnold, the Ohio State University Extension agent in Putnam County, said some local garden centers saw significantly increased business last year. Many people stayed home from vacations because of the price of gas.

"So they decided to grow vegetables," he said.

Deb Croy, owner of The Watering Can, in Ottawa, and Tim DeHaven, owner of DeHaven Home and Garden Center, in Lima and Findlay, already have seen a huge increase in sales of garden items.

Kay Studer, horticulture specialist for Allen County's OSU Extension, has had a garden for many years, but she also plans a change. "This is not my first garden, but I plan to grow a much larger garden this year," she said.

Fresh savings

Jantzi plans to do a lot of canning after harvesting her vegetables. She said it is a way to save money on food and to know exactly what fertilizers and sprays went on the crop.

"I love to have fresh vegetables. Once the bug hits you, it's a very satisfying experience," Jantzi said.

DeHaven said studies claim that, for as little as a $50 investment, an average garden can return up to $1,250 worth of produce annually.

"People are very uncertain about the times and are reading about food scares," DeHaven said. "I think that is why we are seeing such an increase in vegetable gardens. We are also seeing a huge increase in people planting organic gardens."

Curtis Young, an OSU Extension educator for Allen County, plants a garden every year.

"For me, it's partially a reason to get outside and dig in the soil," he said. "Gardening is an opportunity for someone to produce their own food."

Picking veggies

Tomatoes, onions, green peppers and lettuce are high on the recommendations for the first year of gardening.

Jantzi said she plans to plant tomatoes, peas, onions, potatoes and corn. "I guess those are the basics," she said.

Young said the easiest vegetables to grow include snap beans and tomatoes. "Green onions, radishes, beets and lettuces are also easy to grow," he said.

Arnold said gardeners could plant cold-weather crops, including peas and potatoes, in mid-April.

"For the warm-weather crops and transplants like tomatoes and bell peppers, you need to wait until the danger of frost is past," he said.

Arnold said it is usually safe to plant these crops after May 10.

Tips for starters

Garden specialists agree a first-time gardener should start small.

"If you haven't done it before, it can be overwhelming," Egbert said. "It's also important to grow foods you enjoy eating."

Croy said she places straw between the rows to retain moisture and reduce the amount of weeds.

"The basic tools you need are a hoe and water," Studer said. "I usually plant everything from seed except tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage."

Jantzi said she is renting some ground from friends.

"My mom will definitely be a part of giving me advice for my garden," Jantzi said.