Britain has seen a dramatic increase in sales of seeds and garden plants over the past two years as more people look to grow their own fruit and vegetables at home.

With a greater amount of owners opting for the home-grown way of life, more properties than ever for sale through national estate agent Strutt & Parker come with vegetable gardens, greenhouses or even fruit cages.

During and after the 2008 recession, sales of vegetable plants steadily rose across the UK, this also occurred during the previous two recessions. Allotment waiting lists have also remained high as people show an interest in producing their own fare.

In the past many people would have viewed a vegetable patch as hard work rather than an appealing feature, but as attitudes change towards home growing, vegetable gardens have become alluring to a new life-style buyer.

Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker believes that a well-kept vegetable garden can help you sell your home, he comments: "We are seeing more and more people, even in smaller country properties, growing their own fruit and vegetables. In the past you may have only seen growing areas in larger properties or purpose-built green houses, but with the influence and popularity of TV programmes such as River Cottage, we are now seeing raised beds, herb gardens and fruit trees of all shapes and sizes, in all types of property."

Vegetable plants that naturally produce small fruits are ideal for homes with little outdoor space. Potatoes, tomatoes and salad vegetables such as sweet peppers are the most popular amongst growers, however most people start growing herbs before they opt for the more time consuming garden fruits and vegetables.

The public's increased enthusiasm for gardening and home-growing is reminiscent of the Dig for Victory culture, when politicians urged the population to transform their gardens into mini allotments during the Second World War, with even schools now encouraging pupils to learn by setting up growing areas.

Fiddes adds "There has been a noticeable trend in the past 2-3 years as people want a touch of The Good Life. Not only does it offer a chance to save money, but many people find tending to their gardens therapeutic."