Finding a chemical balance

摘要

The popularity of grow-your-own has boosted sales of garden chemicals despite the trend's association with organic methods. Gavin McEwan reports Many ascribe the boom in grow-your-own to consum-ers' desire for wholesome, "organically grown" food. Yet,paradoxically, the trend appears to be fuellinga sharp rise in sales of pesticides and weedkillers. According to analyst GfK Retail & Technology, weedkiller sales are up by 55 per cent this year to date, compared to last year, with pest and disease products up by 17 per cent. GfK analyst Neville Prevett says; "The season is still young, but we believe the category has an excellent 2009 to look forward to."