SIKESTON, Mo. — Whether they're doing it for the health benefits or to save a few bucks due to rising prices in the grocery aisles, more people seem to be putting out gardens this year.
"I've noticed a few more people buying plants asking questions this year,' said Shirley McCall, co-owner of Garden Lane Nursery in Sikeston. "I've heard a couple of people mention the prices in grocery stores and everywhere else (as their reasons)."
But, some are doing it for a healthier product, too, she added. "I've had customers ask for organic insecticides and fertilizers," said McCall.
Dustin Carmack, zone manager at Lowe's, agreed gardens are on the rise this season.
"There is definitely a trend that we're selling a lot more garden seeds and sales have definitely increased," he said.
Mike Mueller, owner of Mueller's Greenhouses in Bertrand, has also seen increases in the sale of vegetable plants since last year.
All the vegetable sales are up, he said, but tomatoes and vine crops, such as cucumbers and melons, have risen the most, he said.
"I can only ascertain that people are feeling the budget crunch and don't want to give up some things, but their grocery bills are going up very fast," Mueller said.
Kevin Jackson of Sikeston planted his first garden in about 20 years earlier this spring. Although he is looking to offset his grocery store bills, Jackson said he planted the garden mostly to sell.
"It's something I did years ago and really enjoyed," he said. "And when I went to the farmers market last year, what I think I saw was people there to buy produce, but not very many vendors."
Quite a few vegetables are planted in Jackson's garden and will be for sale at the farmer's market as they produce. It includes potatoes, onions, corn, radishes, beets, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, broccoli, cabbage and green onions, among others. The garden is currently about a third of an acre, and Jackson said he hopes to expand it to half an acre this summer.
But people who want to garden doesn't have to plant all that — and are encouraged to start small. "Try something simple and experiment with it and see how it goes," suggested McCall.
And someone without a lot of space or who doesn't want to work up their yard can also plant some vegetables in containers.
"If you go to the containers, you don't have to worry about weeding or anything," McCall said of one benefit.
And that trend is definitely picking up.
"There have been a lot of container gardens and small gardens," noted Carmack. "They're mostly people that can't take care of a huge garden or who have confined space."
It's also a great way to have a small crop, but get that fresh garden flavor. Mueller said several people plant herbs or smaller types of tomatoes to add some fresh flavor to dishes.
Mueller said quite a few customers have requested fall vegetable plants. "And we are responding to that," he said, adding tomato plants will be available in late June and July, as well as seeds for broccoli, cabbage and other vegetables that take to cold weather.
But, it isn't too late to plant some vegetables for the summer. "It depends on what kind of plant, and whether you're starting from seed," said McCall. "But you would have a later harvest."
Representatives from the three centers encouraged anyone interested in still planting to do so, but first check with a salesperson to find what plants best suit their needs.
Jackson said that Web sites for the University of Missouri Extension also provide helpful information — free of charge.
"That makes a huge difference," he said. "There is pretty specific information for different varieties, and what does and does not work well."
Although it has a fresh taste and may be less costly and healthier, a garden is a huge time commitment. Jackson said he'll devote a couple of hours to working in the garden daily.
"It's more of a time investment than a money investment," added Mueller. "You have to adjust your priorities. It's a matter that every day, you need to spend a little time in your garden."
But, it's a good family activity — and good source of exercise, he pointed out. Mueller said some of his best memories of his childhood include working in the garden — or relaxing following it — with his father, grandfather and other family members.
And for some, it's just a time to relax.
"It's pretty therapeutic," said McCall. "And nobody is going to bother you when you are out working in the garden."
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