Food & Habits

A rise in 'grow-your-own' trends is reshaping how British families approach food, with allotment waitlists growing across urban areas

A rise in 'grow-your-own' trends is reshaping how British families approach food, with allotment waitlists growing across urban areas.

By Ella Winfield, The Commons View | 29 July 2025, 08:51

Across the UK, more families are turning to home-grown produce as the 'grow-your-own' trend gains renewed momentum. Allotments, window boxes and community gardens are becoming popular tools not just for saving money, but for reconnecting with food, nature and one another.

The National Allotment Society reports that waiting lists for plots have surged in recent years, with urban centres like Bristol and Manchester seeing applications double since 2020. In many cases, demand far exceeds availability, prompting some councils to explore new land use policies.

For Emma Kaur, a single mother of two in Leeds, tending her small backyard garden has become both a necessity and a joy. “With food prices rising, growing lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs has eased some of the pressure — and my kids love helping out,” she says.

Educational benefits are also part of the draw. Schools across the country have embraced gardening clubs as tools for science, sustainability and mental health. Children learn about seasonal eating, biodiversity and teamwork — all while getting their hands dirty.

Many first-time gardeners turn to social media or YouTube for guidance. Hashtags like #allotmentlife and #growyourownuk boast thousands of posts, offering advice and encouragement to beginners navigating seed cycles and soil prep.

Environmental concerns have fuelled the trend further. Reducing food miles and avoiding plastic packaging are key motivations for households looking to live more sustainably. This aligns with broader shifts in consumer behaviour as ethical consumption becomes mainstream.

Some local councils and non-profits have launched ‘starter plot’ initiatives, providing compost, tools and seeds to residents with limited access to green space. One such programme in Sheffield has supported over 400 families in its first year alone.

While not a silver bullet for food insecurity, the grow-your-own movement reflects a wider reevaluation of how we eat and live. In gardens big or small, it’s a quiet act of resilience, creativity, and community.