Food gardening in the U.S. is on the rise. Seven million more households plan to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, or berries in 2009 than in 2008 — a 19-percent increase in participation. That’s according to a new survey from the National Gardening Association, The Impact of Home and Community Gardening in America.

In 2008, gardeners spent a total of $2.5 billion to purchase seeds, plants, fertilizer, tools, and other gardening supplies to grow their own food. According to NGA estimates, on average a well-maintained food garden yields a $500 return when considering a typical gardener’s investment and the market price of produce. The full report is available online.

Will you be planting fruits, vegetables, herbs, or berries this year to feed your family?