Broad beansOne in six adults have started growing their own food in the last four years, with the majority saying they have done so to save money, according to a poll.

Nearly a third (31%) of all British adults now grow their own food while 64% of those interested in growing their own say it would be to save money, the study for the City of London found.

Money-saving guide

Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc and actress Joanna Lumley are launching the City of London's one-off £2 million grants programme to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The aim is to promote the use of green spaces and encourage young people to grow their own food through community involvement and volunteering.

The Growing Localities programme, delivered by the City of London Corporation's City Bridge Trust charity, aims to help reduce social isolation, teach the value of biodiversity and provide horticultural work training for young unemployed people and those with special needs.

Lord Mayor David Wootton said: "Our research shows that Britain is getting back to growing food again and this initiative is to help groups that help people do this.

"Growing things is a profoundly nourishing experience - in every sense - and the City Corporation and its charity the City Bridge Trust wants to help embed the habit across the nation, helping thousands of people across a range of projects."

A message of support from the Queen stated: "The extent of the City of London Corporation's charitable activity is renowned and I am delighted that through this programme, City Bridge Trust is encouraging local neighbourhood projects which will help the environment and offer work training opportunities for young people."

Save money on shopping

  • 1) Know the price of everything you buy
    <p> </p> <p> This takes time, but once you know the cost of a phone call, putting the dryer on, or a bag of potatoes, it enables you to judge far better how much you can afford to consume.</p>
    1) Know the price of everything you buy
  • 2) Shop around
    <p> </p> <p> Once you know the base price, you are in a position to keep your eyes open for a better offer. If you see a discount you can judge for yourself whether it actually constitutes a bargain. For bigger things like utilities it enables you to do a proper price comparison and see if you can cut your bills.</p>
    2) Shop around
  • 3) Trade down
    <p> </p> <p> Don't just assume that the premium range is better, try the every-day brand, or even the basic version and see if you spot the difference. Likewise, consider trading down your supermarket from one of the big players to local markets or discounters like Aldi.</p>
    3) Trade down
  • 4) Plan
    <p> </p> <p> If you plan what you buy to match what you actually cook and eat then not only will you be able to budget far more effectively, but you'll also waste much less and find your money goes further without you having to try.</p>
    4) Plan
  • 5) Think creatively
    <p> If you can't think of a way to get your meat for less, consider a vegetarian day once a week. If you can't find petrol any cheaper, then work on making your driving as efficient as possible. The more you can think of clever alternatives the less you will have to make painful cuts to make ends meet.</p>
    5) Think creatively


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