8 in 10 Youth Think Gardening is Cool, and Half Would Rather Visit a Garden Center Than a Nightclub

Eight out of 10 young people think gardening is great, and it turns out that more than half would rather go to a garden center than a nightclub.

A survey of 2,000 people found that horticulture enjoyed a renaissance among 18- to 34-year-olds during the shutdown.

The appeal seems to be rooted in young people who want to make their homes and gardens a more pleasant place to be, improve mental health and create a space to which they can escape.

It also emerged that gardening is so popular that young adults spend about two hours during a typical week caring for their beloved plants.

Kev Smith, Chief Marketing Officer, Draper tools, who commissioned the survey, said: “The popularity among young adults is fantastic to watch, we knew it was popular, but even we were surprised by the outpouring of love for it.

“There is a tendency to think of gardening as an activity for the elderly, but this survey shows that gardening really is for everyone, whatever their age.

“Gardening is a very relaxing activity, as well as rewarding: everyone can enjoy the benefits it brings.”

The survey found that the most popular houseplants among respondents are cacti, orchids, and aloe vera, followed by basil, spider plants, and peace lilies.

Outdoors, the most common are daffodils, roses, and lavender, along with tulips, mint, and hydrangeas.

While the act of gardening itself is one of the biggest draws, it seems to be bigger than that.

Two-thirds (66 percent) also said they love to buy gardening supplies, whether it’s plants, seeds, or tools.

To date, British respondents have spent £ 318.56 ($ 452) on such items, with 58 per cent revealing that they have spent more on gardening in the past 12 months or so than ever before.

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In fact, 56 percent said gardening is one of the things that has kept them going after the pandemic.

But this does not mean that their interest seems like it will wither like an unloved plant: 72 percent intend to continue investing in plants, tools, equipment and more to fulfill their vision for their garden.

Conducted through OnePoll, the study also found that 60 percent wish they had access to more outdoor space than they currently have, so it could be even greener.

However, 78 percent believe that you don’t need a large outdoor area to experience the benefits of gardening.

READ: Enter the magical world of an ancient tradition: growing rhubarb by candlelight

The most popular place to grow plants is the kitchen window sill, while living rooms, bathrooms, and balconies are also popular spots for all things green.

Kev Smith added: “Gardening is incredibly accessible, which could partly explain its growing popularity.

“Wherever you live, whatever your space, anyone can give growing plants a chance, and we are seeing more and more people adopt this.

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“The transformative effect of plants in large or small areas is just one of the many benefits of having plants in your home, both inside and out.” Cheers to that.

THE MOST POPULAR HOUSEHOLD PLANTS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

1. Cactus
2. Orchids
3. Aloe Vera
4. Basil
5. Spider plant
6. Lily of peace
7. Tomatoes
8. Chile
9. Money plant
10. parsley
11. Snake plant
12. Ivy houseplant
13. Watercress
14. Monstera (cheese plant)
15. Chives
16. Air plant
17. Lucky bamboo
18. Violin leaf fig
19. Prayer plants
20. Umbrella plant

THE MOST POPULAR GARDEN PLANTS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

1. Daffodils
2. Roses
3. Lavender
4. Tulips
5. Mint
6. Hydrangea
7. Clematis
8. Geranium
9. Magnolia
10. Hyacinth
11. Snowdrops
12. Honeysuckle
13. Jasmine
14. Chrysanthemum
15. Iris
16. Hibiscus
17. Lupins
18. Wisteria
19. Ornamental grass
20. Water lilies

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