Over the past five years, gardening has grown in popularity, with more people taking up the hobby and investing in gardening tools, equipment, and products.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the gardening statistics from the past five years and explore some of the reasons behind this trend.
New Gardeners Joining the Hobby
According to the National Gardening Association, in 2020, 18 million new gardeners joined the hobby, a 16% increase from the previous year.
This surge in new gardeners may be due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many people to seek new hobbies and activities that could be done at home.
Increased Household Spending on Gardening
The National Gardening Survey reported that the average household spending on gardening activities increased by 19% in 2020, with 86% of households participating in some form of gardening.
This increase in spending may be due to a greater interest in growing fresh produce at home, as well as a desire to create outdoor living spaces and improve the aesthetic appeal of homes.
Growing Demand for Organic Gardening Products
The demand for organic gardening products has been on the rise in recent years, with sales of these products increasing by 35% between 2014 and 2018 in the United States.
This may be due to a growing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly gardening practices and a desire to grow and consume organic produce.
Table 1: Gardening Statistics Overview
| Statistic | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| New gardeners | 15 million | 16 million | 17 million | 16 million | 18 million |
| Average household spending on gardening | $503 | $503 | $503 | $503 | $600 |
| Sales of organic gardening products | $3.7 billion | $4.3 billion | $4.9 billion | $5.0 billion | $6.7 billion |
The Use of Technology in Gardening
The use of technology in gardening has also been on the rise, with smart gardening tools and devices becoming more popular among gardeners.
Automated watering systems, soil sensors, and other high-tech gardening tools can make it easier to manage a garden and ensure that plants receive the right amount of water and nutrients.
Growing Demand for Indoor Gardening
Indoor gardening has become increasingly popular in recent years, with sales of indoor gardening products, such as hydroponic systems and grow lights, increasing by 70% between 2014 and 2018.
This may be due to a growing interest in urban gardening and a desire to grow plants year-round, regardless of climate or weather conditions.
Sales of Indoor Gardening Products
The use of raised garden beds and container gardening has also become more popular, with more households using these methods for gardening than in previous years.
According to the National Gardening Survey, 18% of U.S. households used raised beds for gardening in 2020, up from 12% in 2015. 76% of U.S. households reported using containers for gardening in 2020, up from 69% in 2015.
Growing Interest Amongst Millennials
One of the most significant trends in gardening is the increasing number of millennials taking up this activity.
According to the same National Gardening Association survey, in 2020, millennials accounted for 31% of all gardening households, up from 28% in 2015.
This increase in interest among younger generations may be due to many factors, including a growing desire for sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyles and a renewed appreciation for locally-grown food and the benefits of growing your own produce.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, with many millennials seeking out new hobbies and activities that they can do at home.
Gardening provides:
- A creative outlet.
- A sense of accomplishment.
- A way to connect with nature and improve mental health.
Growing Interest Amongst Seniors
Gardening is also popular among seniors, who find it to be a rewarding and relaxing activity. According to the National Gardening Association survey, seniors account for 35% of all gardening households.
Studies have shown that gardening, including improved mental and physical health, can benefit seniors.
Seniors have long been avid gardeners, with many finding joy and fulfillment in tending to their gardens and outdoor spaces. According to the National Gardening Association, seniors account for 35% of all gardening households, with an average age of 63 years old.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted seniors, who are at higher risk of severe illness from the virus. As a result, many have been advised to stay at home and limit their interactions with others.
Gardening provides a safe and engaging activity that can be done at home, allowing seniors to remain active and connected to the world around them.
Growing Interest Amongst Parents and Children
Here are some of the reasons why more and more families are taking up gardening with their children:
Education
Gardening is an excellent way to teach children about science and the natural world. Children can learn about plant growth, soil’s importance, and pollinators’ role in the garden.
Gardening can also help children develop essential skills such as observation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Healthy Eating
Gardening can encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables, which can have many health benefits.
Children are often more willing to try new foods when they have grown them themselves, and they may be more interested in healthy eating habits when they are involved in growing and preparing food.
Physical Activity
Gardening is a great way to get kids outside and active. Digging, planting, and weeding all require physical effort, which can help children develop gross motor skills and improve their overall fitness.
Mindfulness
Gardening can be a calming and therapeutic activity for children. It can help them connect with nature and develop a sense of mindfulness and awareness of their surroundings.
Environmental Consciousness
Gardening can help children develop a sense of environmental responsibility and encourage them to consider their impact on the planet. Children can learn about composting, water conservation, and other sustainable gardening practices.
Gardening with children can be a fun and rewarding experience for parents and kids. Many resources are available for families interested in getting started, including children’s gardening books, online resources, and local gardening organizations.
With a little effort and creativity, families can turn their outdoor space into a beautiful and productive garden that provides education and enjoyment for children.
Indoor Gardening Popularity
Indoor gardening has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people seek to bring the beauty of nature into their homes. Here are some of the reasons why indoor gardening has grown in popularity:
Convenience
Indoor gardening allows people to grow plants in their homes, regardless of the climate or weather conditions outside. People can enjoy gardening year-round without worrying about seasonal changes or harsh weather conditions.
Health Benefits
Indoor gardening can improve the air quality in a home, as plants help to purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants.
Additionally, indoor gardening can reduce stress and anxiety, as plants have been shown to have a calming effect on people.
Design and Aesthetics
Indoor plants can add beauty and style to a home and can be used to create a variety of design features, from vertical gardens to hanging baskets.
Indoor plants can also create a natural, organic feel to a home, particularly appealing to those living in urban environments.
Sustainable Living
Indoor gardening can be a great way to live a more sustainable lifestyle, allowing people to grow their own food and reduce their carbon footprint.
By growing herbs, vegetables, and other plants indoors, people can reduce their reliance on store-bought produce, which can help reduce their carbon footprint.
Therapeutic Benefits
Indoor gardening can provide a therapeutic outlet for people to connect with nature and engage in a creative and productive activity. Gardening can be a great way to reduce stress, improve mood and boost overall well-being.
Indoor gardening has also been popularized by the rise of technology and social media, making it easier for people to share tips and advice about indoor gardening.
Additionally, lighting and hydroponic technology advancements have made it easier for people to grow plants indoors, regardless of the amount of natural light or space available.
Advancements in lighting and hydroponic technology
Advancements in lighting and hydroponic technology have made indoor gardening more accessible and efficient.
Here are some of the improvements in the past several years that have made indoor gardening more accessible and more effective:
LED Lighting
LED grow lights have become increasingly popular for indoor gardening, as they are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional lighting options.
LED lights can also be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that plants need for optimal growth, making them an efficient choice for indoor gardening.
Smart Lighting Systems
Smart lighting systems can be programmed to provide specific light cycles and intensity levels, which can help to optimize plant growth and reduce energy consumption.
Some smart lighting systems can also be controlled remotely through a smartphone or other device, making it easy to monitor and adjust the lighting from anywhere.
Vertical Farming Systems
Vertical farming systems allow for growing plants in a vertical space, which can help to maximize growing space and increase yields.
These systems can include hydroponic or aeroponic setups and can be highly efficient for growing crops indoors.
Hydroponic Systems
Hydroponic systems have become increasingly advanced in recent years, with the development of more efficient pumps, nutrient delivery systems, and growing media.
Hydroponic systems can be highly efficient and save water and space compared to traditional soil-based growing methods.
Artificial Intelligence
Some companies are using artificial intelligence to help optimize indoor growing conditions, including lighting, temperature, and humidity.
These systems can monitor plant growth and adjust the growing environment in real-time to ensure optimal growing conditions.
Overall, lighting and hydroponic technology advancements have made indoor gardening more efficient and accessible, allowing people to grow plants indoors with greater ease and success.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more indoor gardening advancements that will help improve yields, reduce energy consumption, and make indoor gardening even more popular.
The Role of the Pandemic in Driving Interest in Gardening
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the gardening industry, with sales of gardening products and equipment on the rise. The pandemic has also increased demand for vegetable and herb seeds as people look to grow their own produce at home.
According to a survey by the Garden Media Group, 86% of Americans reported that they had started gardening during the pandemic, with 80% citing the desire for fresh produce as a reason for taking up the hobby.
Gardening provides a way to control the quality and safety of one’s food and reduce reliance on grocery stores and the industrial food system.
Gardening Statistics:
- The National Gardening Association reported that in 2020, 18 million new gardeners joined the hobby, a 16% increase from the previous year.
- According to the National Gardening Survey, the average household spending on gardening increased by 19% in 2020, with 86% of households participating in some form of gardening.
- The global market size for gardening tools and equipment was valued at $74.1 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2020 to 2027.
- In the United States, the demand for organic gardening products has increased in recent years, with sales of organic gardening products rising by 35% between 2014 and 2018.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased interest in vegetable gardening, with seed companies reporting a surge in demand for vegetable seeds in 2020.
- The global market size for pesticides and fertilizers used in gardening was valued at $12.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $18.9 billion by 2025.
- In the United States, the demand for pollinator-friendly plants has increased, with sales of these plants rising by 39% between 2014 and 2019.
- The use of technology in gardening has been on the rise, with smart gardening tools and devices, such as automated watering systems and soil sensors, becoming more popular among gardeners.
- According to a survey by the National Garden Bureau, 81% of households in the United States grew vegetables, herbs, fruits, or berries in 2019.
- The demand for indoor gardening has been growing, with sales of indoor gardening products, such as hydroponic systems and grow lights, increasing by 70% between 2014 and 2018.
- Composting in gardening has become more prevalent in recent years, with 67% of U.S. households reporting that they composted in 2020, up from 62% in 2015.
- The popularity of succulent plants has increased in recent years, with sales of these plants rising by 64% between 2016 and 2018.
- In the United Kingdom, the demand for houseplants has been on the rise, with sales of indoor plants increasing by 25% between 2018 and 2019.
- The use of raised garden beds has become more popular, with 18% of U.S. households reporting that they used raised beds for gardening in 2020, up from 12% in 2015.
- The popularity of container gardening has also increased, with 76% of U.S. households reporting that they used containers for gardening in 2020, up from 69% in 2015.
Conclusion
Gardening has seen a surge in popularity among millennials and seniors, with the COVID-19 pandemic significantly driving this trend.
Gardening provides a safe and engaging activity that can be done at home, allowing people to stay active and connected to the world around them.
As interest in sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyles continues to grow, we can expect gardening to remain a popular hobby for years to come.
References:
National Gardening Association. (2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on the Garden Industry. Retrieved from https://gardenresearch.com/2020-impact-of-covid-19-on-gardening
National Gardening Association. (2020). Garden to Table: A 5-Year Look at Food Gardening in America. Retrieved from https://gardenresearch.com/foodgardening/
Caffrey, S. (2019). Gardening and its Impact on Seniors. Retrieved from https://www.seniorliving.org/research/gardening-seniors/
Garden Media Group. (2020). Garden Media 2021 Trends Report. Retrieved from https://grow.gardenmediagroup.com/2021-t
