The vegetable plot is rediscovering its roots

But it seems the wheelbarrow has gone full circle. The Good Life is once again the national inspiration.

One in six people now grows some of the produce they eat, up from one in ten just a few years ago.

And almost a quarter of those with their own gardens are tending vegetable patches, fruit trees or tubs of fresh herbs.

Most say their motivation is to know the origin of the food they eat.

The figures emerge in a survey to mark the start of National Allotments Week, which starts on Monday.

It found that 28 per cent of people would consider joining the 330,000 people who already tend allotments.

While the vegetable patch has a long way to go to match its popularity 20 years ago, when 40 per cent of gardens had one, there is a definite renaissance emerging in those and other efforts at self-sufficiency.

More than half of people (55 per cent) are thinking of installing a rain collection system to nourish their crops in a more environmentally-friendly way, and almost three-quarters (71 per cent) would consider installing solar panels at their homes.

Neil Dixon, co-ordinator of National Allotments Week, said increasing interest in the route food takes to our plates was behind the grow-it-yourself resurgence. "As well as being a healthy option, it can also be a great hobby or social activity and gives a real sense of achievement," he said.

"For those not lucky enough to have a garden, or for people who just want to become a more involved member of their community, allotments can be a great solution."

The survey was produced by Standard Life Bank in support of a new service advising people how to use the equity in their homes to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.