Survey reveals big surprises about gardeners aged 40 years and younger

In a surprising trend, the younger generations are gardening in numbers similar to other age groups, according to survey commissioned by Garden Writers Association (GWA), conducted in December 2010 and January 2011.

A sneak peek from GWA’s recent report…
From earlier surveys, it was found that 66 percent of the entire U.S. population has some form of lawn or garden. In the most recent survey, when the under-40s were asked if they grow or take care of plants, 64 percent indicated “yes.” Those in the 25-40 age bracket had the same response as the average of the entire population (66 percent). No longer should we assume that Generation Y and Z are bypassing gardening until they reach middle age or older. The survey shows that those in the 25-40 age group is just as engaged in gardening as older folks.

Other findings of note:

• When searching for gardening information, the digital generation doesn’t turn first to smartphones. First choice, with an astounding 87 percent response, is to go to a network of friends and neighbors for answers. The second choice among under-40s for gardening information is books (69 percent). Going directly to a gardening retailer or taking a class (63 percent) is the third-most popular way under-40s are finding the information they need.
• Most of the under-40s surveyed indicated they use organic products sometimes (46%), and 39% indicated they do not use organic products. Little difference appeared between the 18-24 and 25-40 age groups.

A comprehensive overview of the survey’s findings is available to GWA members in the association’s February e-newsletter. For more information on GWA membership, click here.