GROWING YOUR OWN VEG

Local gardeners have backed a report that says 85% of Brits are saving more than £5 a week by growing their own vegetables. It's not only the recession that has pushed green-fingered individuals into their gardens and allotments; taste, eating healthier, and food consciousness have been big factors for gardeners.

Simon Watts of Evington, said: “Of course the credit crunch has affected the way people behave, and I'm certainly saving a lot of money but, for me, I like to know what I am eating. I've got potatoes, onions, garlic, green beans and fruit. I think there's something very rewarding about growing your own food.”

Neal Cooper of Winchester Avenue says beans, peas, sprouts, garlic, can be dried or frozen to keep you going when they're out of season. It's worth bearing in mind that it does require a fair bit of time - especially at the beginning, but then it's definitely worth it because it's cheap and the food tastes so much better.”

Steve Bennett of Bennett's says there has been a lot more interest since January, but cannot say for sure whether it is because of the recession. “We don't have any figures on the number of sales, but I've definitely had to order a lot more seeds than in previous years because of the increase in demand.”

For information on Leicester City allotments visit

http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/lc/parks-green-spaces/allotments

Sunil Patel