More than six in ten city dwellers would like to grow their own fruit and veg – but four in ten think it's impossible because of where they live.
A study of 1,500 Brits living in cities found strawberries, peppers and garlic are the food items they are most keen to grow for themselves.
But a fifth don't have a garden or outdoor space, and 35 percent struggle to maintain a plant-friendly temperature.
Other barriers to growing at home include lack of knowledge (38 percent), lack of natural light (32 percent) and simply forgetting to tend to plants (32 percent).
The research was commissioned by Samsung UK to launch its Project Plant – an urban-farm-to-table pizza pop-up in collaboration with social enterprise GreenLab.
Amy Campbell, for Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland, said: “We are encouraged to see that so many people are already growing their own produce, and that connected technology is viewed as an integral part of shaping the future of our homes and cities.
“Through Project Plant, we hope to further inspire our customers, and demonstrate how connected technology can help power small-space growing.”
The study also found 35 percent want to grow their own as they believe they’ll gain more nutrients from home grown foods, and 27 percent want to educate their children about growing food.
And a third simply want to eat more fruit and veg in general.
It also found Gen Z are proving to be the next green-fingered generation with almost three quarters of 18-24 year olds currently growing crops and plants – including on their windowsills (23 percent) and in their bedrooms (20 percent).
Almost four in ten youngsters are doing so to have access to fresher food, while 35 percent want to save money and 33 percent want to do their bit for the planet.
It also emerged 45 percent of city-dwelling adults use technology when growing plants and food from home, including using it to adapt nutrients, control the temperature and the moisture in the soil.
And four in ten would welcome digital reminders via apps to water their leafy friends, while more than a quarter would benefit from a connected hub to switch on growing lamps during colder months.
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The adoption of technology could mean an urban farming future for our cities, as 74 percent of those polled believe technology can assist in growing their own food and plants at home.
A further 43 percent of those polled via OnePoll feel technology advances will create greater opportunities to become self-sufficient.
While 41 percent believe it will allow us to keep up with demands on the food system, and 45 percent think technology will empower more people to grow their own.
Through Project Plant, Samsung and GreenLab want to educate individuals and communities to harness the power of connected technology and support small-space growing.
Andrew Gregson, Director and Founder of GreenLab, said: “We’ve loved supporting Samsung UK bring Project Plant to life as it’s important for us to challenge the way things have always been done in relation to how we produce, shop and consume.
“Small-space growing, especially when enabled by connected tech, is great as it makes use of ‘dead’ spaces within the home.
“In addition, small-space growing is low cost, it brings us closer to the source of where our food comes from and it’s incredibly satisfying on a personal level too.
“The research findings were encouraging to see as most of us are already growing at home, and with additional support via connected technology, over time more people will gain the confidence to do so too.”
TOP TIPS FOR GROWING IN SMALL SPACES:
- No space is too small. Don't think you don't have enough space, as with a little light and some love and care, you can grow almost anything.
- Let technology take the guesswork out of small-space growing. To take the guesswork out of small-space growing, use connected technology to set reminders such as when and how much to water your plants, to monitor humidity levels on your behalf, and ensure plants are getting enough light during the darker months. It's easy when you have the right tools to support you.
- Get creative. Windowsills are popular for a reason, but don't forget about the darker corners of your home. Lighting and heat lamps can turn a blank space into an urban farmer's paradise.
- Quick wins. Choose fruits and vegetables which give you the best yield in a small space such as microgreens, basil, chilies, edible flowers, and herbs. Not only will it boost your confidence, but you'll also quickly start to reap the benefits of growing your own.
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