As grocery bills soar and concerns about food security grow, more Americans are turning to their own backyards for relief. Edible gardens—spaces where homeowners grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs—are rapidly gaining popularity, not just as a hobby, but as a practical, money-saving solution.

Why Edible Gardening is Growing

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for fresh vegetables rose by over 9% between 2021 and 2022, and inflation continues to impact food costs across the board in 2025. With produce becoming more expensive, edible gardening offers a compelling alternative: grow what you eat and eat what you grow.

A 2022 study from the National Gardening Association found that 67% of U.S. adults either grow or plan to grow food at home—a number that’s expected to climb as economic uncertainty and sustainability concerns continue (National Gardening Association, 2022).

Benefits Beyond the Budget

The advantages of edible gardening extend well beyond saving money:

Health: Homegrown produce is fresher and often more nutritious than store-bought alternatives.

Sustainability: Growing food locally reduces reliance on transportation and packaging.

Well-being: Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and provide physical activity (Journal of Health Psychology, 2020).

Opportunities for Landscaping Businesses

This trend is creating new demand for related services:

Raised Garden Bed Installation

Soil Delivery & Compost Setup

Seasonal Garden Planning

Drip Irrigation Systems

Fruit Tree Planting

Homeowners without the time, tools, or know-how are increasingly turning to local businesses to build and maintain their edible gardens. This presents an excellent opportunity for landscaping and outdoor service providers to expand their offerings.

Getting Started

For those new to edible gardening, the key is to start simple: herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary are low-maintenance and can be grown in containers. Lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers are also popular beginner crops. Resources like the Farmer’s Almanac and Seed Savers Exchange offer guidance for planting zones and heirloom varieties.

Sources:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Consumer Price Index. www.bls.gov

National Gardening Association. (2022). Garden to Table Survey.

Journal of Health Psychology. (2020). “Gardening is Beneficial for Health: A Meta-analysis.”

Seed Savers Exchange. www.seedsavers.org

The Old Farmer’s Almanac. www.almanac.com