March 16, 2010
By Richard Poffenbaugh
Mansfield News Journal
In November, the Garden Writers Association authorized a study of nationwide gardening trends in the United States. The study was conducted by Technometrica Market Intelligence of Oradell, N.J.
Photo: This 5-inch, 1.5-pound Candy variety sweet onion grows well in northcentral Ohio. Sweet onion transplants should be planted in mid-April for an early August harvest. (Richard Poffenbaugh)
The study focused on trends of "edible" gardening of backyard gardeners. Edible refers to growing vegetables, herbs and fruits. According to the report, more than 41 million (38%) U.S. households grew a vegetable garden in 2009. More than 19.5 million (18%) households grew an herb garden and 16.5 million (15%) grew fruits during the same period.
There was an increase in edibles gardening in 2009 from both experienced and new gardeners. Among those that grew edibles in 2009, 92% were experienced and 7% were new to edibles gardening.
One-third of experienced gardeners reported growing more edibles in 2009 than in 2008.
About 46% reported they grew about the same as in 2008, and 19% grew less than in 2008.
When asked if they planned to continue gardening in 2010, 37% of households reported plans to increase their edible gardens, 29% reported they planned to plant about the same as 2009 and only 1% reported they would plant less this year.
Although a significant number (15%) remained undecided regarding their 2010 plans, the strong response for growing more edibles this year should carry the market to a new level of gardening.
Other data:
- The top response as where they received gardening information was from other gardeners (43%). This has been true in almost every past survey.
- Other important sources includes the Internet; magazines, books and newspapers; retailers; and blogs.
- Vegetable gardening was highest with the 25 to 44 age group and lowest with the 18 to 24 age group.
- Most of those who planned to grow more edible plants were from the west; the northeast had the fewest such gardeners.
- Using the Internet for gardening information was most popular in the South and least popular in the Northeast.
- The main reason for increasing edible gardening in 2010 is for more fresh food supplies.
- The most common reasons for planting less this year were lack of success last year, cost, loss of interest and time involved.
While not in the study reports, this writer would bet that the dire economy in 2009 would encourage much more home gardening. The same should hold true for 2010. Also, the fresh flavor and high quality of homegrown vegetables and fruits becomes a habit that would be difficult to discontinue in future years.
Sweet onions
Large sweet onions should be planted close to mid-April. Generally they are harvested in early August. Start them from transplants, not onion sets. The sets produce early green onions and small bulbs later in the spring.
Space in the garden at 4 to 5 inches, keep weed-free and feed once in May and June. Water well before feeding. Fortunately, onions are deer proof. Stick a transplant in a spot here and there among flower plantings if space is limited.
The candy sweet onion is ideal for summer salads, slices for sandwiches, chili and delicious homemade onion soup. My onion plantings are in the same area each year. But the soil is enriched with compost each fall for the new crop the following year.
Richard Poffenbaugh is a retired biology teacher and active home gardener since 1960. He is a member of the Mansfield Men's Garden Club and was editor of the club newsletter (The Greenhorn) for 21 years. He lives in Ontario with his wife, Barbara.
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20100316/LIFESTYLE/3160311