The Horticultural Trades Association’s latest Market Update shows that garden centre sales slipped just 1% by value in May 2026 compared with the same month last year – the sunniest May on record. Consumer confidence edged up 2 points to -23, while the UK’s joint third warmest May on record helped drive demand in seasonal categories.
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: “May is a key trading month for garden centres, and this year’s hot, sunny weather gave people every reason to get into their gardens. It also highlighted the wider value of gardens and green spaces in cooling towns and cities, supporting biodiversity and improving wellbeing.
“Sales were down just 1% on last May, which, when comparing to the sunniest May on record in 2025, is an encouraging result, coupled with sales remaining 5% ahead of May 2024.
“Transactions fell 3% year on year, but footfall is still 2% ahead of 2024. Average spend rose 2% to £34.18 excluding VAT, suggesting customers are spending more carefully.
“Gardening sales fell by 1% year on year but remain 4% ahead of 2024. Bedding plant sales were down by 4%, hardy plants down by 2%, and indoor plants were flat, while more value-led grow-your-own categories, such as seeds and bulbs, were both up by 14% and 19%, respectively.
“Outdoor container sales were up 4% year on year and 11% compared with 2024, reflecting our Your Garden Year campaign to promote continued interest in more accessible and flexible gardening.
“Seasonal categories saw the biggest weather boost, with garden furniture up 7% and BBQ sales up 9%, especially over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Café and restaurant sales rose 9%, underlining how important catering has become as a driver of footfall and year-round trade.
“May was also a significant month for showcasing the value of environmental horticulture. The Chelsea Flower Show provided an outstanding platform to celebrate members' successes, promote the value of horticulture, and highlight the businesses behind Britain’s gardens and green spaces. More than 50 HTA members were involved in the show, achieving success across the Show Gardens, Great Pavilion and Plant of the Year awards.
“Chelsea also demonstrated the convening power of horticulture. Throughout the week, we welcomed around 100 politicians, policymakers and international visitors, creating valuable opportunities to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our sector and the role horticulture can play in supporting economic growth, climate resilience and healthier communities.
“But cost pressures remain intense. Many businesses still need year-round sales growth of 10–15% to absorb rising national insurance, wage, fuel and wider operating costs.
“Consumer confidence showed a slight improvement but remains firmly negative at -23, which has impacted big-ticket spending. And, year to date, total sales are broadly flat on 2025 and around 13% ahead of 2024, with catering continuing to outperform previous years.
“Looking ahead to summer, as extreme heat becomes more common, horticulture must be seen as part of the solution. Gardens and green spaces are essential to climate resilience, wellbeing and biodiversity. We are a nation of gardeners, and we need the green infrastructure to support communities across the country.”
HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update on the website.
