Market Trends of United States Garden Seeds Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the US Garden Seeds Market according to our research experts:
Vegetable Seeds Segment Leads the Market in the United States
The vegetable seed segment is the largest, holding almost 48.2% of the market share in 2021. It is also the fastest-growing segment. According to USDA, the production of vegetables in California accounted for 435.9 million cwt. The increasing concern for food security among the population has become a significant reason for the home gardening of vegetables to become a more popular factor in the United States. This shows the importance of having a good supplier of seeds and seedlings. Additionally, technological advancements in the growth of vegetables in the country, such as greenhouses, vertical farming, and organic farming, are expected to boost the segment’s sales during the forecast period.
Currently, tomato seeds dominate the vegetable seed segment and are anticipated to retain their position over the forecast period. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, four out of five people prefer tomatoes over any other homegrown food. The National Gardening Association also stated that 86% of the US households grew tomatoes in gardens. Additionally, 95% of all American gardeners produce 700 varieties of tomatoes.
Increasing consumer preference toward organic foods has also led to an increased number of households shifting to cultivate organic carrots, thus, pushing up the demand for carrot seeds. Moreover, the players in the market are also promoting the sales of CCOF & USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated organic carrot seeds. Therefore, the increased vegetable production and the trend of organic cultivation are expected to aid the market's growth in the coming years.
Increasing Trend of Kitchen Gardening
Kitchen gardening or home gardening is the practice of growing vegetable crops in residential houses to meet vegetative requirements. Kitchen gardening is on the rise in the United States. According to recent statistics, 55% of American households engage in gardening activities. The most popular homegrown vegetable crops are tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans, carrots, summer squash, onions, hot peppers, lettuce, and peas. Additionally, 67% of adults are growing edible plants, including vegetables (52%), herbs (33%), and fruits (31%). This has led to a boom in home gardens and the promotion of the benefits of growing your own food.
The age group between 18-35 years is more focused on growing herbs, with almost 4 of every 10 persons growing their own chives, cilantro, etc. In addition to these factors, the focus on better-tasting food and the need for improved food quality, as well as saved money on food bills, are driving the kitchen gardening practice in the United States.
Furthermore, empty grocery store shelves often leave customers worried about the certainty of a continuous supply of fresh produce. To tackle such situations, people are increasingly opting to grow their own produce. Gardening trends also increased after the pandemic. In 2021, the National Gardening Association found that gardening participation in the United States ramped up in the past few years, especially among millennials. The free time and solitary lives often push them to engage in some activities, including home gardening. Thus, the reduced supply of fresh produce and growing interest among the millennial population in home gardening is aiding the market growth.
