Other high profile names, such as Janet Street-Porter and Helen Mirren have also publicly endorsed 'growing your own' and have, Mr Stokes describes, "made gardening look cool."

He adds: "They’ve made it look easy and there is now no longer a stereotypical view of those who spend time in their garden."

Even Sarah and Gordon Brown are reaping the benefits. It was revealed last summer that the PM and his wife have set up their own vegetable patch in the back garden of Downing Street and staff are able to buy lettuce from the small plot, which also produces strawberries and tomatoes.

Regular pictures of the vegetable patch appear on the Downing Street website as the couple hope to encourage more people to have a go at growing their own food.

Another society pioneering the idea is Allotments-UK. With over 4,000 users it is the longest running online community for allotment owners.

Founded by 71-year- old allotment enthusiast, Sally Berry, who has grown her own food in her allotment for 30 years, Allotment-UK’s virtual community is brought together by a shared love of kitchen gardens.

"Growing your own food is a constant discovery towards health and well being," explains Sally, "but there is an increasing conflict between the old way and the new way.

"The traditional way was where we planted a few spuds, onions and cabbages with chemicals, returning only to harvest them, leaving the allotment to be largely derelict, otherwise with a strong cult of never spending a penny.

"The new way of growing however is all about sustainability. It’s about finding optimal growing conditions without chemicals and looking to enjoy exotic vegetables, herbs, wildlife planting, and all year salading.

"This conflict of interests sees old allotmenteers defending their right to keep their often large and sometimes derelict plots, with increasing pressure from people clamouring to get on and turn these plots into beautiful spaces for healthy produce for families to enjoy."

Re-establishing family values is one of the main reasons behind the increasing interest of "growing your own," and in Mr Stokes’s opinion, the novelty of producing something from seed is always rewarding, for both children and adults.

"It’s something the whole family gets involved in. I regularly see children at shows with their parents and they’re so proud of what they’ve grown. It’s an education in itself."

Female First

Georgina Farrer

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