While many consumers are turning to sites like Better Budgeting, Grocery Coupon Guide and Grocery Savings to help them save money at the grocery store, many others are discovering how therapeutic and cost-effective it is to grow their produce right in their own backyards. And, with dozens of magazines, blogs and TV shows dedicated to the topic, even gardening novices can feel at ease knowing that expert advice is never far from their reach.

As the recession continues to force American families to trim living expenses and closely monitor how they spend their money, it is no surprise that the gardening industry is rapidly growing.  In fact, a report by the National Gardening Association predicts a 19 percent increase in home gardening in 2009.

Photo courtesy of www.home-vegetable-gardening.com

The trend in Americans planting backyard gardens to grow their own produce is not a new one, however. Thinking back to World War II days, victory gardens were extremely popular and even considered to be a patriotic duty for homeowners who had plots of land that could sustain a garden.

Today, planting a garden has multiple benefits in addition to cutting costs at the grocery store. For instance, growing their own produce is a safe option for those concerned about recent salmonella scares. Additionally, gardening has been known to help people “avoid the blues,” especially during tough economic times. Finally, household chores like tending to the garden are now considered to be forms of entertainment for many homeowners who have had to adjust how they spend their leisure time in recent months.

So, on this first day of spring, why not put on the gardening gear and head outside for some fresh air. 

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