The first national event dedicated exclusively to grow-your-own fruit and vegetables was targeted to reflect the phenomenal explosion of interest among the public for home-grown produce and healthy eating.

But organisers have said they found "increasing difficulty in securing commitment from enough exhibitors to justify the scheduled launch".

The Edible Garden Show will now debut on 18-20 March 2011 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Exhibition organiser Brian Wiseman said: "We always knew we faced an immense challenge to launch a national show of this scale against the backdrop of recession.  When we decided to go ahead with the project back in September 2009 there were signs of the green shoots of recovery. There was real hope that the UK would be coming out of recession early in 2010.

"Unfortunately, the speed of the economic recovery has been far slower in the UK than in many other nations, which has resulted in a natural reluctance for businesses to commit to expenditure in such an uncertain climate.  Our concept has been well received and it has been widely recognised that, in The Edible Garden Show, we have a recipe for an exciting and innovative new national event.

"Timing has simply been against us, with a number of potential exhibitors expressing their keenness to be involved but at the same time being cautious to committing themselves financially when there is still such uncertainty about the economic future."

Wiseman added: "Naturally we are disappointed. A great deal of time, effort and money has been invested so far in this project. We might be downhearted at the moment but we remain unwavering in our belief in the show and that we have a concept which will be a massive hit with exhibitors, sponsors and the public."

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