The Carrot Tops Allotment Blog!

An Allotment blog exploring gardening and growing your own produce

Will Brexit boost an interest in Growing your own?

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I’ve tried my best to not mention the B word on this blog for as long as I can, however, I’ve been going through my stats and I’ve noticed something rather interesting…

Why am I writing this post?

So, back in January 2017, I set out and attempted to grow a victory garden at the allotment – and I did it as an experiment and to see if I can use methods of the past to be more efficient.

You can read about the process and how it went here – but to cut along story short, if I’m honest, I didn’t really see the whole process through to the end.

What is a victory garden? (a quick recap)

A victory garden for a family of five

Victory Gardens (or war gardens) were pioneered during World War I and World War II as a means to combat the food shortage that war brings to imports and exports. These gardens would encourage people to not rely so heavily on the public food supply, and this would ultimately aid the war effort on the home front. Over time these green spaces were considered a โ€œmorale boosterโ€. Eventually, victory gardens played a major role in everyday life.

Having looked at my stats, evolving around this post, I’m wondering if the current political climate as boosted an interest in gardening and growing your own fruit and veg…

A sudden interested in growing your own?

I’m going to do something that not many bloggers do that often and that’s to talk about and reveal some of my blog statistics – and that’s because I’ve noticed one post attract more attention than the rest since the start of the year.

Growing a modern victory is the post that has been seen the most so far this year – averaging about 40 views a day and counting. Weekly views for this particular post are increasing from 20-40% each week.

I’ll let the below screenshots for this post do the talking…

Average per day

Recent weeks

Months and years

Yearly increase

Before I go any further, I have no idea what ‘Brexit’ is, besides it meaning that the United Kingdom will no longer be part of the European Union. My opinions on the matter count for mist (generally speaking) – with no substance, no weight.

This is because since before and after the referendum my preferences have been flip flopping from way to the next.

It’s no secret that the possibility food shortages hitting consumers at the the result of a no deal Brexit have donned the headlines.

This speculation by the press is because the UK imports more than it produces – meaning that fresh fruit and vegetables may become more expensive.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47470864

I’m wondering if this press speculation and the coverage of potential food shortages is starting to make people think about growing their own fruit and veg to cater for a hike in supermarket prices.

Has this coverage sparked a ‘keep calm and carry on’ or ‘dig for victory’ spirit when it comes to food and bracing for uncertain times?

Or… Has this interest always been there?

I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.

9 responses to “Will Brexit boost an interest in Growing your own?”

  1. carolee Avatar

    Interesting numbers. We Yankees are watching the whole thing with great interest, but I was actually surprised to see that you grow 57% of your veg. Driving around England and Scotland one sees very little โ€œfoodโ€ other than grains, while in Germany there are fields and fields of sugar beets, cabbages, and other veg. Whatever it takes to get people to grow their own and become more connected with food and nature is a boon in my opinion.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Adam Leone Avatar

      Who said Politics is boring. There’s definitely a sense of uncertainty in the air :/

      Like

  2. nicdempsey Avatar

    It could be that the Victory Garden post is popular for other reasons. For my blog itโ€™s the post about my Grandadโ€™s bread pudding! But I digress, I think that the talk about Brexit has made us aware of how vulnerable we could be to food shortages. I think the issue is really going to come down to the type of Brexit we have. And thatโ€™s still to be determined!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Adam Leone Avatar

      I really do hope it’s popular for other reasons. The thought of having food shortages will come as a bit of a culture shock I think.

      Like

  3. thecornucopiaallotment Avatar

    Their have been may times were we have required rations due to border control on foods! I am hopeful the staple of necessary food resources will be available! It is a tactic to persuade a reverse vote!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Adam Leone Avatar

      Alas, Brexit is such an unknown thing… Its impact on exports and imports still feels very untold to me.

      Like

  4. thecornucopiaallotment Avatar

    Many times…lol

    Like

  5. Helena Krovinovรก Avatar
    Helena Krovinovรก

    Hi, actually I’m from Czech Republic..so Brexit doesn’t bother me. But I’m getting sick of political reasons of why we don’t eat czech food in our beautiful fertile country. And as we are moving soon to a better place with a bigger garden, I plan to grow half of our vegetable and fruit food. Currently I’m making some research and Pinterest led me to your Victory gardens post. So..thank you for inspiration!:)
    Helena from Zlรกmanec, Czech Republic

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Adam Leone Avatar

      Hello Helena! Many thanks for stopping by! I’m glad the post gave you some inspiration ๐Ÿ™‚ . Is your new place going to be here in the UK or in the Czech Republic?

      Like

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Having an allotment is one of the most rewarding things you can do โ€“ it keeps you fit, you learn tonnes about gardening and you get to enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables that money canโ€™t buy.

I hope to share hints, tips and gardening victories!

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