Growing Popularity of Home Gardens

During World War II, Americans planted victory gardens as a way to feed their families during a tough economic time. Today, those gardens are making a comeback as more people are growing their own food to save money.

Planting a garden in the Cedar Rapids City Gardens isn't anything new to Ronald Gaede. He's been at this for 18 years. Each year, he reaps the benefits of what he grows. "Quite a bit. I think I did 50 quarts of tomatoes last year and probably 20-some quarts of pickles," he says.

It's those benefits that are increasing the popularity of gardening. The National Gardening Association says two million more households grew vegetables in 2008 than in 2007. Results suggest a 20% increase in vegetable gardening this year over last year.

Rachel Elgin is noticing the trend at Culvers Garden Center and Greenhouse in Marion. "I've noticed a lot of first time gardeners this year," she says. She says the savings make gardening a profitable hobby. "It's an easy investment to pick out your own vegetable plans and get 50 tomatoes off a couple of plants. You can only make an investment of a couple dollars the whole summer."

What Gaede doesn't eat or share with family this year, he'll can and save for the winter, which is where the real savings come in. His advice for first time gardeners? Start out small and grow into it.

The City Gardens on Ellis Boulevard were underwater during last summer's flood. The Cedar Rapids Parks and Rec Department tells TV9 that FEMA tested the soil before giving gardeners the go-ahead this year.