91% of Homeowners Plan to Garden in 2026

As the weather warms after a cold and snowy Pennsylvania winter, it might be time for homeowners to start planning their gardens. Nationwide, 91% of homeowners plan to grow something this year, says a survey by Modern Pest Services. 

The top types of gardens planned include: 

1. Vegetable (68%) 
2. Flower/ornamental (68%) (tie)
3. Herb (42%) 
4. Fruit (31%) 

Additionally, the survey found: 

• 81% prefer eco-friendly pest control for plants
• 53% plan to use natural fertilizers
• 52% plan to compost food or yard waste
• 44% will plant native plants 

Top pest- and wildlife-related garden concerns this year include squirrels and chipmunks (43%), aphids (36%), rabbits (36%), caterpillars/hornworms (31%) and slugs/snails (29%). 

With warm weather and gardens also come more pests – both indoors and outdoors. The survey found that 60% of homeowners plan to take a preventative approach to pest control this spring/summer, including: 

1. Sealing cracks and gaps (49%) 
2. Natural sprays (44%) 
3. Pesticide sprays (43%) 
4. Hiring a professional (36%) 
5. Traps (36%) 

The most concerning pests overall include mosquitoes (61%), fire ants (52%), wasps/hornets (49%) and cockroaches (38%).