More Australians are growing fresh produce at home to save money, according to eBay Australia.
As inflation and rising food prices continue to hit supermarket shelves across the country, the e-commerce company says Aussies who harvest lettuce, cucumber and broccoli are saving up to $75 a month.
“We’re seeing Australians become a nation of green thumbs as they look for ways to bypass costly supermarket bills, with veggie seeds spiking on eBay over the last few months,” says eBay Australia Head of Communications Sophie Onikul.
On eBay Australia, the seeds of staple veggies have seen an increase in sales with potatoes up 168%, green beans up 120%, lettuce up 125% and cucumbers up 80% over the last four months (eBay data: 10/12/21-10/4/22 vs. 11/4/22-11/8/22).
Based on the prices of a major supermarket (based on Coles prices 12/8/22), eBay says once the veggies are ready for harvest, households who consume the following trio of veggies could save $75 per month:
- One lettuce head per week could save $22.05 a month (calculated based on cost of same amount of produce, minus seeds)
- Two cucumbers per week could save $22.82 a month (calculated based on cost of same amount of produce, minus seeds)
- Two broccoli (based on price of Coles Organic Broccoli) per week could save $29.81 a month (calculated based on cost of same amount of produce, minus seeds)