A GARDENER whose Instagram following has blossomed to more than 30,000 people has been inspiring others to take up the past-time during the pandemic.

Karen Baron, from Clayton-le-Moors, has been an avid gardener for the last seven years, growing anything from the usual greens to golden raspberries, jumbo pink banana squash and strawberry popping corn.

The mum-of-two has also grown her social media following, teaching people how to grow their own wild garlic leaves, melons and raspberries.

She said: “I like to grow my own because I love getting outside and seeing your food growing from seed to produce is amazing.

“I’ve two children and it’s also a great way to get them into the garden and see their food being grown. It tastes so much better, and I don’t use any chemicals.”

During the first lockdown, with nothing to do, more people turned to gardening.

She said: “Over lockdown I noticed a huge boost in interest in people wanting to grow their food at home.

“It’s a great activity to do whether you’ve a garden, patio area or a window sill.

“There’s so much joy that can be brought from tending to plants and you get to enjoy a great meal at the end."

When lockdown started, the 43-year-old noticed a huge surge in people following her page on Instagram.

She said: “People were at home and looking for things to do and as supermarket shortages started to occur in a range of produce people started to worry a little about fruit and vegetable supplies.

“Being confined to their homes and gardens they wanted to get outside and get involved in an activity.”

Mrs Baron also runs a graphic design business during the week.

She said: “Daytime tends to be spent at the computer so any opportunity I get I love to get outside and enjoy nature.

“I’m also known for nipping out and having my lunch in the polytunnel because I love it so much in there.

“I would love to get involved in creating a community garden where everyone had the opportunity to come and enjoy fresh homegrown produce, that would be amazing.”

Mrs Baron also runs a YouTube channel, but it is her Instagram which has seen the most growth.

She said: “My Instagram page I developed over the past few years. I add daily updates of what I’m growing and also recipes of what to do with produce after harvest.”

Follow her on IG @WelliesandWaffles.