Spend £200 to save a possible £1,564 on shop prices, just by growing your own crops, according to the latest figures from the National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners.
Figures compiled by the NSALG reveal allotment holders could save an annual £1200 off their shopping bills.
The news comes just months after consumer watchdog Which? found one-in-four people were growing more edible crops to cope with rocketing food and fuel prices.
The rising demand for plots has been triggered by enormous savings and health benefits of home grown veg. There are currently more than 100,000 people on waiting lists for plots.
Donna McDaid, NSALG’s National Secretary, said: “Keeping an allotment has become very popular as more people realise how satisfying it is to sow and grow fruit and veg, and the health benefits of working in the fresh air. It is hard work but worth the effort – especially when you can grow and eat home grown produce at the fraction of the supermarket price.
“But it’s not just about saving money it’s also about being conscious about the environment as imported food can contribute considerably to the carbon footprint.
“Waiting lists for plots are long and showing no sign of diminishing but people shouldn’t give up. Councils are duty bound to ‘consider’ allotments if six people request it and if there are more people, this adds weight to the request.”
Garden guru Paul Peacock, who is the self-sufficiency expert for The Edible Garden Show said: “Everyone is feeling the pinch and with news of the big six energy companies set to raise their fuel prices once again, some families are being forced to cut back on the basics like fresh fruit and veg so they can heat their homes.
“The NSALG’s findings come as no surprise to me. With the rapidly rising cost of food, grow-your-own enthusiasts are in the best position to provide healthy meals for their families without breaking the bank. You don’t have to have an allotment to save on your grocery bills.
“You’d be surprised how much you can save simply by growing a few tomatoes and potatoes in the back garden or herbs in a window box.”