When the going gets tough, the tough get growing (Delmarva Times)

[eppur_se_muova]

SALISBURY -- As the economy slows, Salisbury garden centers are seeing the popularity of vegetable gardening growing.

Cale Ashcraft of Johnson's Seed & Feed Co. has already noticed more customers in search of practical plants to help cut down on the food bill.

"We started seeing it last year, but we are planning on an even bigger increase this year," said Ashcraft. "Mostly we've seen people coming in early looking for potato plants and vegetable seeds."
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"I think nationally, they are estimating a 30 percent increase this year," said Ashcraft on expected vegetable seed sales. "I've noticed it for the four years I've been here, but with the economy like it is this year is going to be big."
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Burpee is taking pains to craft its marketing to fit the times, said Ball. It recently rolled out the "Money Garden," a value bundle of tomato, bean, red pepper, carrot, lettuce and snap pea seeds sold online at www.burpee.com. With a separate retail value of $20, the pack sells for $10, and under the right conditions, Burpee claims, can produce $650 worth of veggies.
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more: http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903050422




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