Growing Trends

Spring, the season of new garden beginnings, is upon us. Here are the crazes that four industry pros forecast for this year.

- By Deb Wiley

Edibles such as Thai basil (left) and Goodhearted tomatoes (right) are ideal for growing in pots, a trend that is rising in popularity.

WELCOME, NEW GARDENERS!

People flocked to the hobby in the last year.

The 2021 National Gardening Survey compiled by the National Gardening Association shows that 18.3 million new gardeners started gardening in 2020, and two-thirds of all gardeners tried a new gardening activity. The greatest rate of the increase came from younger gardeners, people with children, apartment or condo dwellers, and people of color.

1 Gardens as Escapes

Gardens are our sanctuaries, extended living rooms and go-to party zones these days. “It looks as if people will still be planting more in 2022,” says Claire Josephson, marketing and brand manager at PanAmerican Seed, a breeding division of Ball Horticultural Co. “Everyone is still planning to spend time in their yard, still planning on spending time at home. Gardening as a stress reliever will be big.”

Plants help build community, too. “People want online groups, but they are also swapping plants and placing hostas to give away at the end of their driveways,” Claire says. “We're getting better at being good neighbors.” That includes dressing up the front yard for better curb appeal.