The agriculture minister David Heath has claimed that unless households start digging and growing their own food, we will face empty supermarket shelves as they will struggle to import enough food to feed us. The government are currently warning about future food shortages which could occur as the UK currently imports 40% of its food.
Freezing temperatures earlier this year have already had an effect on crops, with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and peas all being affected by waterlogged ground and low levels of light. More shockingly, over the past 10 years, the growth of tomatoes, cucumbers and spring onions in Britain has fallen so low that they have been labelled as “endangered”. Brussels sprouts, lettuce, leeks and cauliflower are also at risk of becoming “endangered”. If action isn't taken by the government, there will be even less home grown food on supermarket shelves and food prices will continue to rise.While we wait for the government to take action, people can do their bit by growing fruit and vegetables in their gardens. The number of people growing their own fruit and veg is already on the increase, as the share of fruit and veg grown in allotments and gardens rose from 2.9% in 2008 to 5% in 2011.
For those looking to make small changes, herbs, salad leaves, chillies and garlic are all easy to grow and a great way to get started. So why not give it a go and see what you can grow. Growing your own food shouldn't be a daunting task. This year I took on the challenge of growing my own herbs and vegetables and so far it is going well. Having cleared a small patch in my garden, I have so far planted onions, spring onions and carrots all of which are doing well. Indoors I have managed to grow some chives, parsley, coriander and chillies. This is my first time at doing anything like this, so I am very pleased. So go on, don't be scared give it a go!
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