The latest HTA Market Update reveals a strong performance for UK garden centres in March. Overall sales, excluding catering, were up +23% compared to March 2024, and +43% compared to March 2023. This impressive increase occurred even though March 2024 partially benefited from Good Friday and Easter[1] Saturday trade, demonstrating that favourable weather conditions this year undoubtedly drove footfall nationwide.
 
Compared to March 2024, bedding plants and plant care products were both up +40%, sales of garden features and structures were up +44%, and garden tools were up +39%. All gardening categories were up by at least +23% compared to March 2024, except for indoor plants (up +5%), which are not so weather dependent. Comparisons with March 2023 are even more exceptional, with many gardening categories up at least +65% in 2025. For context, March 2023 was the UK’s wettest March over the last 30 years.
 
The increased footfall also translated into positive results for catering. Sales in garden centre cafés and restaurants grew by +16% compared to 2024 and by +35% compared to 2023, marking a strong recovery following relatively flat months in January and February.
 
Beyond overall sales, average transaction values also increased by +6% compared to 2024, while transaction numbers were up +16%. Strong BBQ and outdoor furniture sales were key drivers in increasing average transaction values, another indication of good weather purchasing.
 
As a result of this strong performance in a significant trading month for garden centres, all gardening and non-gardening categories are ahead compared to 2024 for the year-to-date.
 
Despite these positive trends, consumer confidence remains low at -19 points, although consumers’ preference to save rather than spend may be declining. It's important to note that recent market volatility is not yet reflected in these scores, and consumer confidence may become increasingly fragile in the coming months if wider market forces compound existing cost-of-living pressures.
 
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: "The strong garden sales in March highlight how significantly good weather impacts our sector. This has helped recover from the quieter months of January and February, bringing overall sales up +12% by value compared to 2024 for the year to the end of March.
 
“With sales of bedding plants, plant care, garden features, and tools all experiencing growth – in some cases exceeding 40% compared to last year – it's clear that shoppers are eager to enhance their gardens and outdoor living areas.
 
“As we look ahead with optimism to the anticipated boost of the Easter weekend to come, we hope that spending will remain strong throughout the coming months. However, it's crucial to remember that with rising employers' national insurance contributions and the minimum wage as of April, these sales are vital for garden centres to meet rising operational costs. While this strong March provides a welcome boost, a sustained period of robust sales through April, May, and June will be key to offsetting those increased costs and ensuring the long-term viability of our members."
 
HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update via the HTA websit: www.hta.org.uk