Plant the seed of savings with your soft fruit this spring

Gardeners are reaping the financial benefits of growing their own fruit and vegetables, according to research by NS&I. Seventy eight per cent of those who grow their own said that people should consider nurturing their own home-grown produce as a way to save cash.

As NS&I announces the second year of its sponsoring the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) 'Grow Your Own' campaign, it is urging Brits to give growing a go - with even more money benefits than simply boosting savings. The study also revealed that growing your own can teach valuable lessons about looking after personal finances.

Nine out of ten (90%) people said that growing your own was similar to saving, as you need to plan ahead, and a similar number (92%) stated that for both disciplines you only reap the benefits through patience and regular effort.

Last year NS&I and the RHS joined forces to help improve the nation's health and wealth through the Grow Your Own campaign - and this year the campaign returns with a new flavour as NS&I and the RHS encourage Britons to give fruit growing a try.

Tim Mack, Head of Marketing and Communication at NS&I, explains: "We're proud to actively support and sponsor the 'Grow Your Own' campaign, because we know that growing your own is just like saving in many ways - it helps you financially and your initial investment benefits from good planning and nurturing. Growing your own fruit or veg is not only worthwhile but is also something that can be done almost anywhere."

The sponsorship builds on the successful relationship that NS&I has had with the RHS for many years, including NS&I's involvement in the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show where in 2009, NS&I will again be supporting the Growing Tastes Cookery Theatre.

Richard Hunt, Corporate Development Manager at the RHS, adds "NS&I is an ideal partner for the Grow Your Own campaign, and we're delighted that these two national institutions are working together. We hope we will inspire the British public to use whatever space or means they have to get growing."

The RHS will be running a series of events throughout the year, demonstrating how easy and worthwhile home-grown produce is. Kicking off with a free open day on 7 March 2009 across all four RHS Gardens (Wisley, Rosemoor, Harlow Carr and Hyde Hall), the Grow Your Own campaign will offer curious gardeners and keen amateurs top advice on how to grow and care for fruit and vegetables - with growing starter kits available to the first 2,000 visitors to each garden.

For further information regarding the campaign or events being held at each of the gardens, and to sign up for the monthly e-newsletter, visit the Grow Your Own website at rhs.org.uk/growyourown or nsandi.com/rhs.