The Horticultural Trades Association monthly Market Update report shows that garden centre sales in March 2026 fell by -4% compared to March 2025, but remained +18% ahead of March 2024.
This is predominantly due to more typical weather conditions bringing trading back towards seasonal norms after last year’s strong performance.
Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “March reflects a return to more typical seasonal trading conditions after the very strong performance we saw last year. Sales are down 4% on 2025, but still 18% ahead of 2024, when much wetter and colder weather held back demand. The contrast across these three years highlights just how influential weather remains on our sector.
“This month’s market update reports fewer overall customer visits, with total transactions down by 4%. Gardening categories saw the biggest impact, with sales down around 8% compared to last year, including bedding plants -9% and hardy plants -11%. This is reflective of a combination of more mixed weather, overnight frosts towards the end of March, and the earlier timing of Easter and Mother’s Day, which are key trading periods for the industry.
“At the same time, consumer confidence has also weakened, with households becoming more cautious as economic uncertainty grows. However, customers who are visiting are still spending, with average transaction values holding steady. That shows there is still a strong underlying demand for gardening and the experience garden centres offer.
“This support for local garden centre businesses is critical at a time when our members are facing increasing cost pressures from multiple directions. Businesses are being squeezed by rising costs and weakening confidence at the same time. The conflict in Iran is already feeding through into supply chains, not just through fuel, but with fertiliser prices rising sharply, with ammonium nitrate up 24% since February, and disruption to key shipping routes pushing up freight costs. These pressures are unlikely to ease in the short term.
“This comes on top of significant structural cost increases, including higher business rates following the end of Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief, as well as increases to wages, National Insurance, and changes to inheritance tax. As a result, many businesses now need to achieve growth of 10–15% simply to maintain their position.
“Environmental horticulture contributes £38 billion to the UK economy and supports 722,000 jobs, so businesses must be able to operate in a stable and supportive environment.
“However, garden centres remain places people come for inspiration, advice and enjoyment as well as essential products, and that continues to resonate even in a more challenging economic climate. Gardens and green spaces are increasingly valued as places to relax and unwind. With spring now underway, there is a real opportunity for people to get outside, make the most of their gardens and support their local garden centres.
“While the year has started slightly ahead of 2025, with sales up 1% year-to-date and 11% ahead of 2024, the strong lead built earlier in the year has narrowed as we move into the peak season. With April starting positively, the next few months will be crucial in determining how well businesses can convert seasonal demand into sustainable growth.”
HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update on the website.
