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 Saturday trade, demonstrating that favourable weather conditions this year undoubtedly drove footfall nationwide. Last month was the 3rd sunniest March since records began.

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.

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