Why more Americans are gardening as Trump returns to the White House | CNN Business

CNN - Jan 8th, 2025
Open on CNN

In response to Donald Trump's election and his proposed policies regarding tariffs and immigration, many Americans are turning to gardening as a way to mitigate potential rises in food costs. Maggie Mosher, a retired teacher, and Robert Hunter, a retiree in Arkansas, exemplify this trend by expanding their personal gardens. Mosher is motivated by both financial concerns and the desire to be proactive, while Hunter has invested in equipment to shield himself from future price increases. Similarly, the Capital Roots community garden in Albany, New York, has seen a spike in new membership applications, reflecting a growing desire for self-sufficiency and control over food supplies.

This shift towards self-reliance is reminiscent of historical movements during periods of economic uncertainty, such as the Victory Gardens of the World Wars and the community gardening surge of the 1970s. Trump's potential tariffs, particularly on Mexico and China, could further drive up produce costs, prompting even more interest in gardening. The trend underscores wider economic anxieties and demonstrates a grassroots approach to food security and cost management, with individuals like Melany Bradshaw seeking community garden plots as a practical response to larger economic policies.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive overview of how political events have influenced individuals to turn towards gardening, reflecting broader trends in food security and economic self-reliance. Its strengths lie in its detailed storytelling, showcasing personal experiences and linking them to larger societal issues. However, it falls short in terms of source quality and transparency, as it relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and lacks a critical examination of the broader economic implications of the policies discussed. The article could benefit from more balanced representation of perspectives and improved clarity in some sections.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article accurately captures the motivations of individuals like Maggie Mosher and Robert Hunter, who are turning to gardening in response to political and economic uncertainties. It mentions specific details, such as the number of new applicants to Capital Roots and the types of produce grown in community gardens, which add credibility. However, the article makes several assumptions, such as the direct impact of potential tariffs on food prices, without providing detailed economic analysis or data to support these claims. The reference to Donald Trump's policies is timely, but it lacks specificity and fails to cite any direct sources that confirm these policies' projected effects on food prices or availability. This undermines the factual accuracy and verifiability of the article’s conclusions.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on individuals who are motivated by political events to start gardening, which reflects one side of the societal response. While it provides a detailed narrative of these individuals' experiences, it lacks a balanced exploration of opposing viewpoints or alternative perspectives. For instance, it does not include opinions from economists or policymakers who might offer different insights into the impact of tariffs and immigration policies on food prices. There is also a noticeable absence of voices from the agricultural sector or immigrant communities directly affected by these policies. This selective portrayal suggests a bias towards highlighting the personal stories of those embracing self-sufficiency, without adequately exploring the broader implications or other stakeholders' views.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from individual stories to the broader trend of increased interest in gardening. The language is accessible, and the personal narratives make the topic relatable and engaging. However, certain sections could benefit from clearer explanations, particularly those discussing the implications of tariffs and immigration policies. While the tone remains mostly neutral, some parts of the article, such as the emphasis on personal stories of resilience, might come across as emotive, potentially detracting from the objective presentation of information. Overall, the article effectively communicates its main points, but a more straightforward exposition of complex topics would improve clarity.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on anecdotal evidence from individuals like Maggie Mosher and Robert Hunter, and organizations such as Capital Roots. While these sources provide a personal touch and ground the narrative in real-life experiences, they do not constitute authoritative or comprehensive sources. The article cites Capital Roots data on membership increases, which adds some credibility, but overall, there is a lack of diverse and authoritative sources to substantiate broader claims about economic impacts and policy effects. The absence of expert opinions or official data weakens the article's reliability and leaves room for questioning the validity of its conclusions.

6
Transparency

The article provides context around the motivations of individuals turning to gardening, especially in response to political events. However, it lacks transparency in several areas. The article does not disclose the basis for claims about the economic impact of potential tariffs, nor does it provide a comprehensive background on the policies mentioned. There is no discussion of the limitations or potential biases in the data presented from Capital Roots, and the article does not reveal any affiliations or conflicts of interest that might influence the perspectives shared. Greater disclosure of how information was gathered and any potential biases would enhance the article's transparency.