Bunnings general manager,merchandise,Adrian Pearce said:“We did see a significant increase in customers’ interest in gardening and growing their own produce throughout the lockdown periods,and we have noticed a further recent uplift with common seedlings,with lettuce increasingly popular.”
ThePaddock Community Garden next to Camdenville Public School in Newtown is brimming with fresh lettuce,both established plants and new seedlings.
Garden co-ordinator Caroline Sleap said the organisers gave lettuce and other seedlings to members in March,and more had been planted since.
She said there had been a lot of discussion between members about the increase in price of lettuce,and the group had been actively sharing tips for growing lettuce on social media.
“It’s the topic of conversation at the moment because[the prices] are so outrageous,” Sleap said.
“There have been jokes in the garden about setting up a store,but it’s usually given away to families because it’s actually the season for lettuce;it’s so prolific at the moment. When I visit my sister,I usually bring her a bag of lettuce.”