Every time I visit my friends Libby and Clark’s house, they’re growing a new kind of lettuce or fresh herbs under a sleek hydroponic system with timed lights and self-watering trays. They say it’s relaxing, saves them money, and helps them eat healthier. They swear their homegrown greens taste better, too.

They’re not the only ones trading grocery store produce for countertop gardens and leafy windowsills.

Across the country, a quiet food revolution is taking root. From raised beds in suburban backyards to vertical planters in studio apartments, Americans are growing their vegetables, herbs, and greens — and not just in spring and summer. Fueled by high grocery prices, wellness trends, and a desire for more sustainable living, the grow-your-own movement is expanding indoors and going year-round.

While the original Victory Gardens of the 1940s were born out of wartime necessity, today’s edible gardens are a response to different pressures from economic to environmental to emotional. This time, the tools are modern: LED grow lights, countertop hydroponic systems, TikTok tutorials, and seed subscription boxes.

Why growing your own food is more popular than ever

Even as inflation slows, produce prices remain frustratingly high. Instead of shelling out $5 for a handful of cherry tomatoes or a plastic-wrapped pack of spinach, more Americans are realizing they can grow the same crops at home for a fraction of the cost.

The U.S. garden seed industry is expected to hit $920 million in 2025, according to market researchers at Mordor Intelligence, with growth projected well into the next decade. Accio search data also shows that interest is spiking. Searches for “galvanized raised garden bed kits” rose nearly 49% month-over-month in April 2025, and terms like “container gardening,” “balcony vegetable garden,” and “home canning” surge each growing season.

But this trend isn’t just about saving money. A recent survey found that over 70% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 35 are interested in gardening — and 83% say it’s “cool.” On Reddit forums like r/vegetablegardening and r/containergardening, users share daily photos of their DIY setups, offer tips for growing in tight spaces, and celebrate their first homegrown harvests.

David Gray, a home improvement expert at Corston Architectural Detail, believes the shift is cultural.

“The resurgence of home food gardening in America is more than a seasonal hobby,” he says. “It’s a conscious shift toward sustainability, cost savings, and well-being. Today’s gardeners are motivated by a desire to take control of what they eat. With inflation and supply chain disruptions in recent years, there’s growing appeal in knowing exactly where your food comes from.”

And as Gray points out, modern gardening isn’t limited by space or season.

“What’s exciting is how accessible it’s become,” he says. “You don’t need acres of land. A balcony, a sunny windowsill, or a few containers on a kitchen counter are enough to grow herbs, greens, or cherry tomatoes.”

Top crops for home gardens

Whether it’s a whole backyard plot or a corner of the kitchen, a few crops tend to dominate the modern garden. Tomatoes, especially compact cherry varieties, remain the most popular choice thanks to their flavor, versatility, and container-friendly size. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce are also favorites because they grow quickly and can be harvested repeatedly.

Cucumbers, peppers, and beans thrive in pots or vertical systems, while herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, mint, and cilantro are ideal for small indoor setups.

Herb gardening is also on the rise. According to seed retailer Botanical Interests, herb seed and kit sales have steadily increased since 2020, with many people opting for compact indoor growing systems that let them harvest fresh ingredients all year long.

Gardening benefits for mental health

While cost savings and taste are major perks, many home gardeners say the biggest reward is the way gardening makes them feel.

“It eases anxiety, improves mood, and gives a real sense of accomplishment,” says Gray. “We’re seeing a strong link between gardening and mental health. And the nutritional benefits of eating what you grow are undeniable.”

Studies back him up. Gardening has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), improve sleep, and even ease symptoms of depression. For many, daily care of plants becomes a grounding ritual — a break from screens, work, and overstimulation.

And when you’re growing inside, say on a windowsill or kitchen counter, you don’t even need to leave the house to get those benefits.

There’s also the bonus of avoiding plastic packaging, which has been linked to growing concerns over microplastic consumption.

Indoor gardening tools and trends

Not everyone has a backyard or ideal outdoor growing conditions, which is why small-space and indoor gardening tools are exploding in popularity.

Vertical gardening — using wall-mounted planters, stackable pots, and trellised crops — is especially popular with city dwellers. Hydroponic towers and innovative countertop systems make it possible to grow lettuce, herbs, and even strawberries indoors with minimal effort.

These tools are often paired with app-based watering systems, LED grow lights, and Wi-Fi-enabled timers. Plant care has gone high-tech, with the internet offering a wealth of inspiration. TikTok tutorials tagged #GrowYourOwnFood, #UrbanGardener, and #BalconyGarden offer aesthetic setups and beginner-friendly tips for everything from composting to pruning.

Even longtime gardeners are embracing the new tools. It’s easier than ever to extend your growing season or skip it altogether and grow year-round indoors.

Edible landscaping ideas for any space

The American lawn is evolving. More homeowners are replacing grass with garden beds, edible meadows, and “living fences” made of berry bushes or flowering vines. This design shift is often called “chaos gardening,” where order is replaced by dense, layered, intentional growth that supports pollinators and produces food.

Instead of hiding vegetables in the backyard, gardeners are incorporating them into flowerbeds and landscaping, creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and productive. Inside, windowsill gardens and vertical towers have become part of kitchen design, blending form and function in small spaces.

This blend of beauty and utility reflects what Gray calls “a lifestyle, not just a trend.” As people see how easy it is to grow something themselves, they find it hard to give up that lifestyle.

How home gardening saves money

Starting a garden doesn’t require a considerable investment. A few containers, seeds, potting soil, and a sunny spot are all you need to begin. According to the National Gardening Association, a typical 600-square-foot home garden can yield more than 300 pounds of produce in a season — a $600 value.

Even a balcony garden can cut costs on herbs and greens. For those on tighter budgets, seed libraries, community garden plots, and co-op swaps are great entry points. Some cities even host free compost days, and many local libraries now lend tools and gardening guides.

As Gray says, “It doesn’t have to be expensive. Light, soil, water, and some patience. Those are the real ingredients.”

Why home gardening is a lasting trend

Whether it’s thrift, taste, wellness, or just the joy of watching something grow, gardening has become a meaningful part of modern life — even in the off-season.

“Once people get a taste of it, literally and figuratively, they rarely stop,” Gray says. “It becomes a lifestyle, not just a trend.”

And that may be the most powerful part: in a time when so much feels out of our control, there’s something quietly radical about growing your food. It’s not just a hobby. It’s a fresh start, one seed at a time.

Indoor gardening tools to help you get started

Want to grow your herbs, greens, or vegetables at home? These top-rated indoor gardening products from Amazon make it simple, even if you’re short on space or new to gardening.