Garden centres in the UK are grappling with "challenging" trading conditions because of extreme heat, unpredictable rainfall and hosepipe bans, a trade association says.
Overall sales in June dropped by 2% in value compared to the same month in 2025 and 5% on June 2024, according to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).
The HTA said gardening sales also dropped, falling by 5% on June 2025 and 13% from June 2024.
Extreme weather and temperature records
Prolonged hot weather and high humidity led to exceptionally high daytime temperatures and unusually warm nights in June, according to the Met Office. A provisional high of 37.7C was recorded at Lingwood, Strumpshaw Hill, on June 26, surpassing the previous record of 35.6C set at Southampton in June 1976.
The HTA said a combination of increased rainfall and extreme temperatures, along with advice against non-essential travel during heatwaves, "likely" contributed to a 2% decrease in total garden centre visits compared with 2025.
Hosepipe ban concerns
Reports of hosepipe bans were raised as a concern by the Association, which said these can "inadvertently discourage" people from visiting garden centres and buying plants.
HTA Chief Executive Fran Barnes said: "June demonstrated the increasingly complex conditions our members are operating in, with extreme heat, rain falling across considerably more days than the last two years and conversely the start of water restrictions in some areas, all creating challenges at different points throughout the month."
Ms Barnes added: "The horticulture sector understands the importance of conserving water during periods of shortage, but restrictions must be introduced with clear, consistent messaging that recognises the essential role our businesses play. Confusion around Temporary Use Bans can have unintended consequences, leaving customers unsure about what they can do in their own gardens and businesses uncertain about how restrictions will affect demand."
Sales trends and costs
The HTA reported that despite the "challenging" conditions, the average transaction "held steady" at £30.40 per visit, not including VAT.
However, plant sales declined year-on-year. Bedding plants were down 1%, hardy plants fell by 4%, and indoor plants declined by 10%, according to the HTA.
While outdoor container sales increased 2% on last June, garden furniture sales dropped by 7% and garden tools decreased by 9% despite the warmer weather.
The HTA said while trading conditions were "difficult" in June, the year-to-date picture shows garden centres continuing to perform close to the "exceptional" levels achieved last year. Overall sales are just -1% behind 2025 year-to-date and remain +7% ahead of 2024, according to the Association.
But rising employment, supply chain and input costs continue to "put pressure" on business margins.
