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Ground Rules for Gardens

New insights from the National Hardware Show reveal an uptick in gardening, self-sufficiency and food origin awareness is pushing DIYers to grow their own gardens. Data from seed company Bonnie Plants says 20 million people began gardens in the past 18 months. But many customers are taking their pitfalls to retailers to help weed out problems.

Use this data to help recommend products and solutions to keep your DIY garden customers successful and growing superior produce—and confidence—each day.

Click here for more trends from the National Hardware Show.


  1. FIND THE RIGHT SIZE
    Find the right size. Even if your customers don’t own a home, offer small-space garden solutions to help them grow something special no matter where they call home.
  2. THINK BEYOND VEGETABLES
    Steer customers to growing other vegetation as well. Merchandising Instagram-ready flowers can be a great way to boost sales.
  3. OFFER ALTERNATIVES TO SEEDS
    Certain species of vegetable seeds are experiencing a shortage, so teach your customers ways to grow plants without starting with seeds, like with scraps and offcuts.
  4. EDUCATE THE CUSTOMER
    Explain home gardens have a range of benefits, including mental wellbeing, physical activity and the satisfaction that comes from growing your own produce.

About Julie Leinwand

Julie Leinwand is the Special Projects Manager for NHPA. She graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys baking fanciful desserts and spending time with her puppies and husband.

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