allot to the March Market Update report from the Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) , garden center sale received an early rise in February 2023 , showing the time value consumer localize on their garden despite challenge fiscal times .
The written report shows that sales of source and plant life fear products were up 28 % and garden prick up 23 % compare to February 2022 . Catering also saw a substantial increment of 21 % , offering consumers a small delicacy amidst the tough economic mood .
Dry conditions in February may have helped encourage consumers to cerebrate about their gardens earlier than normal . However , this comes with cautiousness and questions , not least over the motivation for horticulture businesses – from retail to grower – need to be prepared for more frequent drought conditions .
February 2023 was the driest in 30 class , leading to lower reservoir levels and concerns for longer - terminal figure drought scene over the summertime . Without grants to defend reservoir improvements and water - saving innovation , the changing climate remains a decisive concern for environmental horticulture .
Fran Barnes , HTA CEO , say , " As we enter into Spring , we ’re delighted to see a uprise pursuit in garden center retail , not only in increase spending on gifts and café sojourn but also in core horticulture supplies . It ’s embolden to see that masses recognize the many benefits of horticulture , in particular in the backwash of the pandemic , which instigate many to take up this avocation , love their garden , and appreciate the benefit of environmental horticulture .
However , we stay aware of the pressures on wage bills , looming usefulness Mary Leontyne Price hikes , and longer - term concerns about drouth . We were disappoint that the Spring Budget did not address the press issue of water scarceness , which poses a significant threat to the industry . It ’s important that the government takes immediate action to arouse sentience among both stage business and consumers about the importance of conserving piddle and construction drought resilience . We urge on policymakers to bear measure that promote water purpose reduction and ensure the gardening diligence ’s longsighted - term viability . "
The full report is available to HTA appendage .
For more information : Horticultural Trades Associationwww.the-hta.org.uk
