With the high cost of food stressing household budgets, many folks across the region are turning to their backyards or window planters to provide at least a small portion of their fresh fruits or vegetables on their dining tables.

In a story in Thursday’s Post-Dispatch, many cite concerns over food safety and the environment, among other factors, as reasons prompting people to grow their own food.

“It’s crazy that we’re spending so much oil, time and money on food,” Staley said. “If we can do it in the backyard, why not?” said Kirkwood homeowner Holly Staley.

The National Gardening Association and government agencies have no data yet for this year, but several companies that sell seeds and plants have seen their sales increase as we head into the spring and summer planting and growing seasons. The association also has evidence that vegetable gardeners increased their spending by 22 percent from 2006 to last year.

Do you grow any of your food? Or if you’ve never grown tomatoes or any other fresh vegetables, do you plan to do so this year?