Economic problems lead to more gardeners

Raleigh, N.C. — The struggling economy, coupled with high energy and food prices, is pushing many people to grow their own food, instead of buying it.

At Logan's Trading Company, at 707 Semart Drive in Raleigh, seed sales are up 300 to 400 percent.

“The hot item is anything you can eat,” said Joshua Logan, of Logan’s Trading Company.

Logan said the business has seen a 900 to 1,000 percent increase in sales for everything from soil to supplies.

“We’ve actually got a waiting list,” he said.

The National Gardening Association estimates a $500 return per year on a vegetable garden.

Gardener Ray Hinnant uses his garden to save money on tomatoes and other items.

“It’s usually very easy. All you gotta do is get some good soil and plant the plant,” Hinnant said. “The plant will do the rest.”

The trend has even made it to the White House. First Lady Michelle Obama planted her own vegetable garden with the help of some young students.

A lot of garden centers offer "how to" classes for beginners.

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buy local and grow local. The Clayton Farm and Community Market has all kinds of plants you can plant at your home and harvest later in the season. Best part is they are cheaper and better than what you find in the big stores... and they will teach you what to do with them. That's very important for the new gardner. Check it out next saturday.