What's even better is how the hobby gardener has saved money over the last decade compared to many other popular leisure time activities.
Cost of Gardening 2002 - 2012
2012 has been a tough year for many people and the leisure activities play a significant part in a family's yearly spend. Gardening has always remained popular and over the last ten years it has proven to be one of the most frugal spends with costs rising just 17%.
Here's the run-down with the least expensive family spend over the last decade:
Gardening - £17.90 per activity (+17% rise over last ten years)
Takeaway - £11.12 (+36%)
TV - £45.75 (+39%)
Eating Out - £20.00 (+42%)
Cinema - £6.24 (+46%)
Theme Parks - £39.64 (+46%)
Gym - £36.83 (+48%)
Pint of Beer £15.18 (+51%)
Train Ticket - £23.38 (+61%)
Car Fuel - £96.95 (+89%)
Football Tickets - £48.90 (+184%)
The range of expenditure is very high; going from £17.90 for gardening right up to £48.90 for football tickets. There's also plenty of evidence to support the health benefits of being outdoors and taking part in some form of gardening activity.
Whether you're considering tending a small patio garden or growing your own vegetables in an allotment - there's never been a better time roll up your sleeves and get out the trowel. Start with planting tulip bulbs now ready for the coming spring; it's a great way to start.
To see the full range of gardening benefits for adults and children alike visit this post >>