What an excellent question!!!! I could probably bore you for hours on the suject but to begin with as I'm in the uk can you use me as part of your study? If you can I'd be happy to help you out. Just email me at bwoodsoriginalsilk@googlemail.com
Im not the best with computers and i have no idea how i got to this site or if i will ever find it again so if its ok with you email is definatly my safest/easiest way to communicate. Look foward to hearing from you, regards Beth

This post is a year old, but just for kicks, I'm responding. I think for me it's mostly the desire for better quality ingredients to cook with. We joined a community share agriculture program last year, and I was BLOWN AWAY by the difference between that and grocery store produce. It was like being introduced to another world. It was also really expensive, though, so I'm trying to grow some of the same things myself. Also, it's fun to play in the dirt, gives me a sense of accomplishment, lets me grow wild and different things that I can't find at the market, and I really like talking to other gardeners. (Go terriers! BC sucks!)

For the fame and money. ;-)

Fame??!!! MOney is a big motivation for me, too. I can't buy produce like the stuff I can grow. -That and I like to play in the dirt.

again really old post, but all the same, very interesting question. i really like to garden because of the gratification that you get from growing something both beautiful and useful...those are things that are hard to come by in these days..

As far as I am concerned, it is like asking: why do you breathe?
I can not imagine my life without it (nor would I choose to).

~Natalie