Seed sales boom with downturn

Working on a story for the Pioneer Press about garden planning that can be done in these wicked days of winter. Rory Klick, a horticulture prof at the College of Lake County, told me that she'd heard that seed sales were up, up, up in 2009. Lots of Recession Kitchens out there, it seems.
Anyways, I called Tom McAnly, director of purchasing at Jung Quality Garden Seeds in Randolph, WI. He reported a 25% jump in early orders this year.
I then emailed Johnny's to find out what they're seeing.
Alisa Keimel, marketing & PR manager said this: “There has been a large jump [in demand] over previous years, and many seed companies are running into availability issues. If you have specific needs for seeds or varieties you are looking for, get your order in now.”
I repeat: Get your orders in now!
It's a gardening boom in 2009!