UK garden centres have wrapped up a standout Spring season, with the latest data from the Horticultural Trades Association Market Update for May 2025 revealing continued strong performance. 

May is traditionally the busiest month for garden centre sales. This year, overall sales - including catering - were up +4% by value compared to May 2024, which was the UK's hottest May on record, and up by +2% against May 2023, a month boosted by an extra Bank Holiday for the King's Coronation.

This steady growth culminates in an exceptionally successful Spring, with year-to-date sales for garden centres up +12% compared to both 2024 and 2023. This positive trend reflects the significant impact of the UK experiencing its warmest Spring since records began.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: "Spring 2025 has delivered one of the best trading periods in recent memory for garden centres. While May's percentage increases may appear more modest than those in previous months, its significance cannot be overstated, as May is typically the largest trading month in the garden retail calendar; therefore, even small percentage increases have a significant impact. However, while this is great news, we are also mindful that these strong results are absolutely vital in helping businesses manage the increasing cost of doing business, from employment to operational expenses, which have also risen significantly this Spring.

“In terms of the numbers, gardening categories saw a more moderate performance in May than March and April, up +5% on May 2024 but down -3% on May 2023. This would suggest consumer demand for early-season categories, such as seeds and bulbs, had already been met earlier in the prolonged good weather. Nonetheless, year-to-date gardening sales remain significantly ahead of previous years.

“Meanwhile, non-gardening categories continued to do well, with sales rising +5% compared to May 2024 and an impressive +15% versus May 2023. Catering remains strong, with sales by value up 8% in May 2024 and 21% in May 2023.

“However, the market remains volatile. Consumer confidence, while recovering slightly by +3 points, remains historically cautious. The price of shipping containers rose by an alarming +70% in the past month, adding significant strain to supply chains. Additionally, while UK pay growth stands at 5.0%, exceeding the inflation rate of 4.1% (CPIH), this gap is narrowing, which could affect future consumer spending power.

“As we move into the summer months, we hope people will continue to use, enjoy and invest in their gardens. The HTA, committed to providing our members with the insights, advocacy, and resources they need, will continue to support the industry in navigating both opportunities and challenges in the months ahead.”

HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update on our website.