Vegetable seed sales have risen by 60 per cent since last spring, with consumers embracing the trend to grown their own vegetables.

Vegetable prices have increased, which could explain why consumers are now starting to grow their own vegetables. Lettuce prices have risen by 17 per cent year on year, while tomatoes are up by 6 per cent.

Tim Rumball, editor of Amateur Gardener, said: ‘Anything that gets people gardening is good. People want the shortest distance possible from plot to plate. People now realise that you don’t need a huge garden to grow your own – you can supply yourself with veg from just a few pots on a patio.’

Vegetable seed sales have risen by 60 per cent since last spring, although reports that they are outselling flower seeds are as yet unconfirmed.

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