- NS&I is helping people to recognise how easy it is to grow and cook your own, by sponsoring the Growing Tastes Cookery Theatre at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
For nine out of ten people (90%) the reason why they grow their own is that the food tastes better and people can control how the produce is grown with the absence of any chemicals, just as Tom and Barbara did in the 1970s sitcom ‘The Good Life’. However, over three-quarters of Britons (82%) aren’t practicing this healthy pastime, and for more than two-fifths (42%) it’s because they don’t think they have the space or equipment. In addition, nearly a quarter (23%) of people in NS&I’s survey said they don’t grow their own as they don’t have the time.
In fact, having a small garden, or even not having a garden at all, does not mean that you can’t enjoy the benefits of growing your own. And it certainly doesn’t take a long time to start producing your own food and experiencing the benefits of eating from plot to plate.
NS&I will be helping people to recognise just how easy it is to grow and cook your own food this coming week, 7-12 July, as it sponsors the RHS' Growing Tastes Cookery Theatre at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Jonathan Predy Head Chef Brasserie Roux Sofitel at London Heathrow Terminal 5 is one of the chefs who will be cooking up a storm giving demonstrations in the theatre. He said, "The trend for growing your own, locally sourced foods and seasonal produce is sweeping the nation and the dishes I cook at the show will reflect this. Everyday cooks are becoming more and more aware of the advantages of fresh, home-grown produce. Not only is it healthy and ethical, it has the added bonus of being cost effective and incredibly flavoursome"
The theatre is part of the wider ‘Growing Tastes’ feature, taking you from soil to supper with 14 grow your own exhibits displaying giant garlic bulbs, herbs from around the world and a variety of English as well as exotic fruit and vegetables.
Tim Mack, Head of Marketing and Communications at NS&I explains the reasons for its involvement: “We believe in encouraging people to grow their own because of the savings that can be made from taking produce from plot to plate. Plus, the planning and nurturing required has much in common with the best management of savings and investments. Nine out of ten people (90%) believe that growing fruit and vegetables is similar to saving money primarily because you need to plan ahead to reap rewards, a key skill in financial management.”
To help people make the association between growing and saving, NS&I has launched a special calendar highlighting the key dates for growing, pruning and harvesting fruit and vegetables, in addition to tips for managing healthy finances. Available at www.nsandi.com/growandsave, gardeners old and new will find helpful hints and tips on how they can make their gardening and financial efforts work harder. In addition growers and savers are encouraged to share their own gardening and savings tips and recipes.
Guy Barter, head of gardening advice at the Royal Horticultural Society, said the organisation has had an increase in inquiries about growing food in recent years. "There has been an enormous drive towards grow your own," he said. “People want to know where their food comes from and take great pleasure in eating and cooking their own fruit and vegetables.”
- Here are the top money saving produce for you to take from plot to plate – whatever space you have available
- Cherry tomatoes – From a plant costing about £2 you can harvest 2-5kg of fruit . Bought at a supermarket per kilo this is worth £8-£20
- Chilli peppers – A £2 plant will provide several dozen little chillies, which when dried can provide up to a year’s supply
- Basil - A packet of seeds costing £1.69 will yield a summer harvest of this fragrant herb for pasta and salads. It can also be preserved in oil as a dressing.
- Salad crops – Seeds are relatively cheap. Sow the seed over a period of a month and harvest daily throughout the growing season. This is something all of the family can take part in and is one of the easiest crops for children to grow and learn about a quick return on their horticultural investment.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About NS&I
NS&I is one of the UK's largest financial providers with almost 27 million customers and over £94 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers Inflation-Beating Savings, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children's Bonus Bonds in its range. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.
For more information on NS&I’s involvement with the RHS and the Grow Your Own campaign, visit www.nsandi.com/rhs
About the RHS
The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Its charitable work includes undertaking scientific research into issues affecting gardeners, holding plant trials and educational events and activities.
RHS membership is for anyone with an interest in gardening. Support the RHS and secure a healthy future for gardening. For more information call: 0845 130 4646, or visit www.rhs.org.uk.
RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
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