Garden centre sales are 27% up based on the calendar year to April 2019 vs 2018, according to the May 2019 issue of HTA Market Update published this week.

In April, sales of plant and garden ranges continued to fare well, experiencing significant growth on last year. The warmer and later Easter period was no doubt a factor encouraging consumers into their gardens.

It’s good news for the majority of garden product categories with most seeing a rise in sales in the month of April 2019 vs 2018. Bedding plants saw the highest increase at +22%, while the houseplant trend also remains strong with an increase of 21% as the message around health and wellbeing continues to spread.

HTA director of Membership, Martin Simmons commented: "The gardening season continues to look positive with the 27% increase in garden centre sales based on the calendar year to April 2019 vs 2018. The extra hours of sunshine and reduced rainfall meant the weather was on our side this year. Consumer confidence remains low and has dropped four points compared to last April due to continued concerns over the UK's economic situation. However, the outlook of HTA members is very positive over the next twelve months with over half looking to introduce new products and services which will hopefully see consumers investing more in the home and garden."

The report shows that comparing April 2019 vs April 2018 sales were up 14% and the rolling year to April 2019 vs 2018 shows sales up by 15%.