Weathering the Seasons. Impact of the Weather on UK Garden Sector

As spring bursts forth with vibrant colours across the country, garden centres are usually buzzing with activity. However, the UK’s gardening landscape is experiencing a weather-induced rollercoaster ride, influencing consumer behaviour, footfall, sales, and the livelihoods of garden centres and plant growers. Let’s take a look athow the weather has shaped the garden sector landscape already in 2024.

The Temperamental Spring

The arrival of spring is eagerly anticipated by gardeners and garden centres alike. However, the weather in 2024 has been somewhat temperamental. While some regions experienced unseasonably warm temperatures, others grappled with prolonged cold snaps and all areas have seen some of the wettest months on record. This erratic weather pattern has left both gardeners uncertain about when to kick-start their planting and garden centres when their sales will start to kick-in.

Consumer Behaviour

Weather exerts a significant influence on consumer behaviour, especially in the gardening sector. Warmer, sunnier days will lure people outdoors, igniting their enthusiasm for gardening projects and prompting visits to garden centres. Conversely, prolonged spells of cold or wet weather will dampen this enthusiasm, leading to reduced footfall and spending.

Fluctuating weather leads to a cautious approach among consumers.Gardeners are hesitant to invest in plants and outdoor accessories when the forecast is uncertain, impacting the revenue of garden centres.

Garden Centre Footfall and Sales

The ebb and flow of footfall in garden centres closely mirror the fluctuations in weather patterns. A warm, sunny weekend can result in a flurry of activity, with customers flocking to stock up on plants, seeds, and gardening tools. Conversely, cold, rainy days can leave garden centres deserted, with shelves full of unsold inventory.This has always been the case and the garden industry are pretty resilient and used to coping with the vagaries of the weather. However, 2024 has been particularly unsettled and wet and this year follows on from the wettest March on record in 2023.

Despite the pent-up demand for outdoor activities following periods of covid lockdown, footfall has been inconsistent due to the unpredictable weather and consumers exploring other activities to spend their money on. Garden centres are finding it challenging to forecast sales and manage inventory effectively in the face of this volatility.An early Easter led many to fear the worst, but the rain held off on Easter Monday across much of the country which thankfully encouraged consumers to part with their cash.

Amidst the backdrop of weather fluctuations, there’s a silver lining for garden centres: a 40% jump in sales compared to the same week last year. Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), acknowledges this surge as “about average,” signalling positive momentum. Consumer spending is veering towards plants and garden furniture, buoyed by several days of fine weather and an optimistic forecast for the weeks ahead.

Challenges for Plant Growers

The impact of the weather extends beyond the retail sphere to the growers who supply plants to garden centres. Fluctuations in temperature and rainfall can disrupt planting schedules, affecting the availability and quality of plants. Excessive rain can waterlog fields, while late frosts can damage delicate seedlings, leading to crop losses for growers.

Delays in planting and harvesting have led to shortages of certain plant varieties, while excess inventory of others languishes due to subdued demand during cold and wet spells. Growers must navigate these challenges while balancing the needs of garden centres and managing their own operational costs.And all of this going on while the growers are trying to navigate moving to peat-free!

Mad May

The industry braces itself for a ‘mad May,’ anticipating a condensed season following a slow start to the season. Growers and retailers remain cautiously optimistic, banking on pent-up demand and the promise of sunnier days ahead.

Adapting to Weather Uncertainty

In the face of unpredictable weather, garden centres and plant growers are having to adapt their strategies to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities. This may involve diversifying product offerings to include indoor plants and gardening supplies, leveraging online channels to reach customers during inclement weather, and implementing flexible pricing and promotional strategies to stimulate demand.

By adopting a proactive approach, stakeholders in the gardening industry can weather the storms and thrive amidst uncertainty.

Looking Ahead

As we progress further into the gardening season, the impact of weather on UK garden centres will continue to evolve. While the unpredictability of British weather poses challenges, it also presents opportunities for innovation and adaptation within the industry. By staying attuned to consumer preferences, weather forecasts, and market trends, garden centres and plant growers can navigate the twists and turns of 2024’s weather while cultivating growth and resilience in the UK gardening sector.As the season unfolds, one thing remains certain: the UK’s gardening spirit perseveres, undeterred by rain or shine.