Homeowners mix vegetables, flowers to save money (FOX 19 Cincinnati)

Associated Press - August 24, 2008 9:05 AM ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - An increasing number of people are afflicting edible landscaping to save money on subsistence, eat healthier and ensure their recent food is safe.

Broccoli and cabbage plants are popping up in figure of speech beds one time occupied by tulips and daisies. Fruit trees are replacing fences.

Some are using edible plants as fences, replacing hedges with raspberry bushes or screening backyard pools with towering stalks of sweet corn.

It’s saved money on groceries and time mowing the yard. The cost of novel fruits and vegetables has jumped by 5% from a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And tomatoes are up 22%.

Sales of gardening products have increased by 11% at Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., the lawn and garden company based in Marysville.

On the Net:

Ohio State University Extension: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1255.html

W. Atlee Burpee: http://www.burpee.com/

Scotts Miracle-Gro: http://www.scotts.com/

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