Garden centres faced challenging trading conditions in June due to record-breaking heat, unpredictable rainfall, and impending water restrictions.

According to the latest Market Update from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), overall garden centre sales decreased by 2% in value compared to June 2025 and by 5% compared to June 2024. Gardening sales also declined, falling by 5% from June 2025 and 13% from June 2024.

June 2026 was the UK’s second-hottest June on record and notably wetter than both 2025 and 2024. The combination of increased rainfall and extreme temperatures, along with advice against non-essential travel during heatwaves, likely contributed to a 2% decrease in total garden centre visits compared to the previous year.

However, while June brought significant challenges, it is important to note that both of the previous years served as strong benchmarks for comparison. June 2024 benefited from a delayed gardening season due to a wet spring, while June 2025 saw an exceptionally strong sales performance.

The HTA has also expressed concerns about unclear public messaging regarding Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) for water, particularly the references to “hosepipe bans.” These messages can inadvertently discourage people from visiting garden centres and purchasing plants, creating uncertainty for both garden retailers and their customers.

HTA Chief Executive, Fran Barnes, said: “June demonstrated the increasingly complex conditions our members are operating in, with extreme heat, rain falling across considerably more days than the last two years and conversely the start of water restrictions in some areas, all creating challenges at different points throughout the month.

“The horticulture sector understands the importance of conserving water during periods of shortage, but restrictions must be introduced with clear, consistent messaging that recognises the essential role our businesses play. Confusion around Temporary Use Bans can have unintended consequences, leaving customers unsure about what they can do in their own gardens and businesses uncertain about how restrictions will affect demand.

“UK garden centres continue to adapt to changing consumer behaviour and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, but they are doing so while facing significant cost pressures across employment, supply chains and input costs. These pressures are making it increasingly challenging for businesses to invest and grow. Supporting the sector to operate effectively through periods of disruption is essential if we are to continue creating greener, healthier places for people and communities.”

Despite the challenging conditions, average transaction values held steady at £30.40 per visit, excluding VAT, which is up 1% compared with June 2025, suggesting that customers continued to spend well when visiting garden centres.

However, gardening categories experienced a tougher month, with plant sales declining year-on-year. Bedding plants were down 1%, hardy plants fell by 4%, and indoor plants declined by 10%.

On a positive note, outdoor containers performed better than in previous years, with a 2% increase compared to June 2025. Conversely, garden furniture sales dropped by 7%, and garden tools decreased by 9%, despite the warm weather.

Consumer confidence remained unchanged at -23 points in June 2026, with sentiment remaining in negative territory across all demographic groups, including higher-income households.

There were some signs of improvement in the wider economic outlook, with the index rising by 2 points to -36, but confidence remains considerably weaker than a year ago. The savings index also fell by two points to 20, suggesting households may be finding it harder to put money aside as cost pressures continue.

Despite the difficult trading conditions in June, the year-to-date picture shows garden centres continuing to perform close to the exceptional levels achieved in 2025. Overall sales are just -1% behind 2025 year-to-date and remain +7% ahead of 2024.

Gardening sales remain -5% behind 2025 but are still +5% ahead of 2024. Non-gardening categories continue to support businesses, with year-to-date sales +5% ahead of 2025, driven particularly by catering, which is up +7%.

However, while sales have held up against a very strong 2025 comparator, rising employment, supply chain, and input costs continue to put pressure on business margins.

The HTA Market Update tracks sales performance across garden centres and provides insight into consumer confidence, trading conditions and wider economic pressures affecting the horticulture sector. HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update on the website.