The HTA's monthly Market Update report shows that overall garden centre sales, including catering, fell by 3% in value in April 2026 compared to an exceptional April 2025. However, sales remained 22% ahead of April 2024. Consumer confidence also fell for a third consecutive month to -25 overall.

While weaker consumer confidence saw fewer customers visiting garden centres, with transactions down -7%, last month's warm and sunny weather helped offset spending. The UK's seventh-hottest April on record prompted those who did visit a garden centre to reach into their pockets, as average transaction values rose by 3% to £32.78 excluding VAT, and café and restaurant sales were up 6% compared to April 2025.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association, said:

“As the sector looks ahead to the peak May trading period and RHS Chelsea Flower Show, this is a pivotal moment in the gardening calendar. April’s warm, sunny weather provided ideal gardening conditions, but the latest figures show many consumers remain cautious as wider cost pressures continue to bite.

“After an exceptionally strong April last year, a 3% dip in overall garden centre sales this April is not unexpected for more typical seasonal trading. Sales were still 22% higher than in April 2024, which saw excessive rainfall and shows just how closely our sector is tied to the weather.

“The more concerning figure is the 7% drop in customer transactions, with fewer people visiting a garden centre. This reflects the continued squeeze on household finances and the caution many are showing, as consumer confidence has now fallen for a third month in a row to its lowest level since October 2023. Higher energy costs and ongoing economic uncertainty are influencing how and when people choose to spend.

“Garden centres remain a good barometer of consumer sentiment. While footfall is down, those who do visit are still willing to spend, with average transaction values rising by 3% and café and restaurant sales increasing by 6%. This reinforces the role garden centres play as social, lifestyle and wellbeing destinations, alongside their retail offer.

“Gardening sales were down 5% compared to April 2025, but remained 27% ahead of April 2024. Against last year’s strong benchmark, bedding plants, hardy plants and indoor plants all saw declines, while seeds and bulbs delivered double‑digit growth, reflecting sustained interest in lower‑cost, grow‑your‑own gardening. Outdoor containers also continued to grow, supported by the spring phase of our Your Garden Year campaign focused on pots and planting.

“As we move through the peak May trading period, the coming weeks will be critical. While early spring weather has helped encourage spending, our latest Business Barometer shows rising costs are increasingly outstripping profits for many horticultural businesses. Energy, input, labour and regulatory pressures are tightening margins and forcing some businesses to delay investment. Garden centres have shown resilience so far this year, but rebuilding confidence, for both consumers and businesses, will be essential to sustaining growth through the remainder of the season.”

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