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More Aucklanders are opting for a touch of the good life by growing their own vegetables.
Despite the residents of the City of Sails often being cast as cash-rich, time-poor city folk, garden centres report bumper sales for vegetable garden supplies this year.
The possible triggers include the rising popularity of organic food and lighter household purses due to increased interest rates and higher petrol prices.
Remuera Palmers Gardenworld manager Viola Wood says tomatoes, lettuces and herbs are big sellers this year.
Kings Plant Barn retail sales manager Dean Jackson also noticed an increase, particularly after Labour weekend.
Mr Jackson says a softening economy often sees a rise in gardeners growing their own vegetables.
"Generally people tend to move back to growing their own and also beautifying the property around home because they're not going away as much."
