Front page in today’s Post: Demand for Vegetable Seeds Is Rooted in Recession
I want to say that the news media doesn’t need to get so excited when they can link a trend to the recession. I think in this case, the connection may be a little weak.
I started gardening on my balcony this year, and my first green peppers and tomatoes should be ready to harvest in about a week. Jalapeños will be another month or two. The question though is why I started gardening—was it to save money? No.
In the end, I know I will spend the same amount of money on growing these plants as I would buying them at the store. I started a garden because it’s fun and there is some pride in growing your own food. The point the article makes about food safety is likely true. That’s one of my concerns about buying vegetables in the store.
I’m not saying that the recession did not contribute to a rise in demand for seeds. I just think that the link is not strong enough that it deserves a front page headline in the Washington Post.