One in three Britons has made the decision to grow their own fruit and vegetables, according to a study.

As reported in The Telegraph, one third of the population is cultivating tomatoes, peas, cauliflower and potatoes, and 63 per cent of those polled who are not currently growing their own food say they plan to do so within two years.

The research, conducted by Miracle-Gro Organic Choice, attributes the rise in growing your own to the 12 per cent rise in the cost of staple groceries over the last year.

The survey suggested that 46 per cent of the 1,027 people polled said cost was the reason for them growing their own food, while 15 per cent said they did not trust supermarkets to offer goods that were 100 per cent organic.

Another 29 per cent of respondents said the main reason for growing their own fruit and veg is having children and taking an interest in their diet. The study also revealed that 86 per cent of people are concerned about rising food costs. Another 61 per cent said they grew their own produce because of the health benefits, while 24 per cent think it tastes better.

A spokesman for Miracle-Gro Organic Choice said: “Food is becoming more expensive by the day, and this research shows that we are turning to our own gardens to produce the staple fruit and vegetables to beat the price hike.

“Celebrity chefs have now made gardening cool again, and growing your own veg is no longer something reserved for the older generation or those who own allotments.

"But not only is it cheap, but it can be extremely relaxing and rewarding to cultivate your own food.”

TV stars Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, have spearheaded consumer interest in growing your own food.

The Miracle Gro Organic Choice spokesman added: “Growing your own veg means you can be 100 per cent it is organic. It is perfect for time-poor parents wanting to feed their children cost-effective, chemical free produce that’s had the very best start in life.”

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