Consumer Trend Survey Offers Insight Into 2012 Gardening Plans and Opinions

ST. LOUIS, April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As gardeners count down the days until they can get outside and begin planting, a new consumer survey shows edible plants will be a large part of their gardens this year. The survey of 600 gardeners nationwide, conducted by Garden Safe® brand, shows that 75 percent of respondents plan to grow vegetables in their gardens and 50 percent indicate they will be growing fruits and herbs. 

Gardeners cite better taste, fun activity and cost savings as the primary reasons to grow their own produce.

As the garden-to-table or gardening for food trend has grown in popularity over the past several years, so have gardeners' appetites to branch out beyond the traditional garden staples and try their hand at growing a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs.  Additionally, while long seen as a rural and suburban hobby, food gardening is now actively embraced by people living in urban areas.  Decks, roofs and small city yards now play host to productive personal gardens.   

Pest management also was noted as an important issue by the majority of those polled. First, insect control products were tied with the shovel as the most essential gardening product or tool.  Second, 75 percent of the respondents believe that natural products are just as effective, if not more, than chemical pesticides. 

In recent years, consumers are becoming more environmentally friendly and gardeners are seeking naturally based alternatives to manage pests and weeds. Retailers have responded to this buying trend, with retail garden centers expanding shelf space and in some cases, creating special store sections for natural and organic gardening products.

The Garden Safe brand, one of the leaders in the natural and organic gardeners market, has offered effective alternatives since 2002.  The brand offers an extensive line of products derived from botanical materials such as Chrysanthemum flowers and neem trees.

"As more gardeners choose to grow plants, fruits and vegetables organically, Garden Safe provides alternative solutions to fight insects, fungus and weeds," explains Eric Kenney, Garden Safe Senior Director of Marketing. "Garden Safe brand offers gardeners a win-win...peace of mind and a productive garden, all in one."

About the Survey

The Garden Safe® Brand survey included 600 consumers between the ages of 25-64 who owned their own homes and were the primary gardener in the household.  Additionally, survey respondents were required to have had experience with a natural product, such as an outdoor insecticide, within the last year. 

About Garden Safe® Brand

Garden Safe® Brand is a leading manufacturer of organic pest and weed solutions -- indoor and outdoor insecticides, herbicides, and rose and flower care products. Garden Safe products are produced by United Industries Corporation, a leading supplier of products for the home, lawn and garden insect and weed control markets and a subsidiary of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

For more information, visit www.gardensafe.com.

About Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a member of the Russell 2000 Index, is a diversified global consumer products company and a leading supplier of batteries, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn & garden and home pest control products, personal insect repellents and portable lighting. Helping to meet the needs of consumers worldwide, the Company offers a broad portfolio of market-leading and widely trusted brands including Rayovac®, Remington®, Varta®, George Foreman®, Black & Decker®, Toastmaster®, Tetra®, Marineland®, Nature's Miracle®, Dingo®, 8-in-1®, FURminator®, Littermaid®, Spectracide®, Cutter®, Repel®, Hot Shot® and Black Flag®. Spectrum Brands Holdings' products are sold by the world's top 25 retailers and are available in more than one million stores in approximately 130 countries. With 6,000 employees in 43 countries, Spectrum Brands Holdings reported fiscal 2011 net sales of approximately $3.2 billion. For more information, visit www.spectrumbrands.com.

SOURCE Garden Safe Brand