Demand for vegetable seeds has "rocketed" as supermarkets continue to limit sales of some fresh produce.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said seed sales across its retail outlets had risen 20% in February compared to the same month last year. Separately Mr Fothergill's Seeds said online sales had jumped by nearly 50% last month.
Stores are limiting tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers but the RHS said many potato suppliers had already sold out. Recent bad weather in Spain and North Africa, along with complex supply chains, have been blamed for empty shelves in UK supermarkets. Wholesalers and importers suggested the UK may also be suffering because of lower domestic production, as well as a price-sensitive market. Former environment minister George Eustice claimed the shortages would last three to four weeks but some growers said supply problems could last until May.
Based on sales last year, the RHS predicted that chard, salad leaves, tomatoes, garlic and squash would be among the most popular vegetables to grow in 2023.