Food growing "phenomenon" sweeps UK

The popularity of growing your own fruit and vegetables has soared over the past year, it has been suggested.

According to an article in the Times, companies such as the Garden Centre Group have reported strong sales in the sector.

The firm revealed it has seen a 54 per cent increase in food-growing products in the six months to June 30th.

It has led to the groups chief executive Nicholas Marshall calling the interest in grow your own merchandise a "phenomenon".

"For the price of a packet of tomatoes, you can buy a plant that will give you ten times that," he told the newspaper. "And you have the fun of growing it and getting the children interested in gardening."

The article noted ground has been set aside at both Buckingham Palace and Downing Street for the cultivation of food.

It follows the decision of US first lady Michelle Obama to start her own kitchen garden at the White House earlier this year.