COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — More central Ohioans are digging into gardens these days.

Community gardens are exploding in popularity.

Grandview Heights Parks and Recreation leaders say all the plots in the community garden have been claimed, and there’s even a waiting list.

Oakland Park Nurseries Vice President Mark Reiner said backyard gardening is booming there as well.

“We’ve definitely seen an uptick the last two or three years,” he said. “Spring is always busy no matter what, but since the pandemic it has exploded a little bit more.”

Reiner said he’s noticed younger people digging into gardening, especially the idea of growing their own food.

“Definitely been an uptick in vegetable sales the last couple years,” he said. “I mean I think there’s a learning curve there, so people might not realize that it’s maybe not as easy as they think.”

He said growing your own food can be a healthy way to save money and enjoy fresh produce at home.

“We have seen a lot of people turn to growing fruit trees, they especially have exploded,” Reiner said. “Small fruits, like berries, raspberries, rhubarb, horseradish, all that stuff is really gaining in popularity, the last couple of years.”

Kurt Thomas said he’s an avid gardener.

“It’s nice to see it go from a seed to a bigger plant,” said Thomas. “It just tastes different, actually tastes a lot better and sweeter than what you buy at the store.”

Thomas said the price is “absolutely” better, too.

“Tomatoes grow so prolifically that we usually have more than we need,” he said.

Elaine Bell said she started her tomato plants a few weeks ago.

“I just got these little seed starting kits, put in a mix of soil, and put them under grow lights,” she said. “I hope people don’t get suspicious.”

She said the potential to reduce her grocery bill intrigues her.

“My little garden won’t make enough to feed me, but I think it’s really interesting,” Bell said. “Maybe someday I’ll have more space to be able to do that.”

Reiner said many people are thinking outside the garden, using containers and other things.

Kendra Ryan and her children plant seeds in a greenhouse.

“We have a little greenhouse so we like to watch it usually when it’s colder,” she said.

ABC 6 also contacted another local gardening center that didn’t want to be named. A manager said the store’s vegetable and flower seed sales have gone through the roof. She said they started selling fast just after Christmas, and the store has already had to reorder more for the growing season.

Experts have said getting a home garden started can be challenging, but as long as you watch upfront costs like materials and tools, plant what you like and eat what you plant, hopefully you can watch your savings sprout.

Source: abc6onyourside.com