Gardening in the United Kingdom (UK) - statistics & facts
Gardening is a popular pastime in the United Kingdom (UK). Not only do people practice it as a hobby and visit public gardens, but they also open their private gardens up to the public for visitation, for example, through the National Garden Scheme. This hobby became particularly important to those in the UK during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic when lockdowns caused many to have to stay at home with limited access to leisure activities. In 2020, members of the public were surveyed on what the main benefits were of having access to a garden or outdoor space during COVID-19, and the majority stated that it “helped relieve stress and anxiety, contributing to [their] mental wellbeing”. Therefore, it is perhaps unsurprising that annual expenditure on gardening, plants, and flowers in the UK showed year-over-year growth in 2020, accounting for approximately 6.2 billion British pounds.
Meanwhile, when it came to regional enjoyment of gardening in the UK, the North West proved to be the area that enjoyed gardening the most, while Greater London had the lowest amount of respondents that enjoyed gardening. The reason for this may be due to the smaller garden sizes in London compared to the rest of the UK. When looking at the cities and towns with the smallest average garden sizes, London came second in the ranking after the coastal city of Brighton.
Additionally, due to many shops and garden centers closing their doors to the public, it would appear that many people bought gardening items online during the pandemic in 2020. As a result, online gardening and home improvement product sales showed year-over-year growthin all categories.
Who likes gardening in the UK?
Members of the public from different age groups in the UK were asked if they enjoyed gardening in 2020, and respondents across all age groups (from 16 to over 55) said that they enjoyed gardening. However, the age group that enjoyed the hobby the most was 55 and over, with over half stating so. The survey revealed that the share of respondents that enjoyed gardening directly correlated with their ages, growing as the age became higher.Meanwhile, when it came to regional enjoyment of gardening in the UK, the North West proved to be the area that enjoyed gardening the most, while Greater London had the lowest amount of respondents that enjoyed gardening. The reason for this may be due to the smaller garden sizes in London compared to the rest of the UK. When looking at the cities and towns with the smallest average garden sizes, London came second in the ranking after the coastal city of Brighton.
How much do people spend on gardening in the UK?
Garden spending in the United Kingdom has increased relatively steadily since 2013, peaking in 2020 at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and reaching its highest levels in the third quarter of that year. But what do people spend this money on? In 2020, the garden category that adults in the UK spent the highest average amount on was renovations, at 241 British pounds. Meanwhile, the region that had the highest average weekly expenditure on horticultural goods, garden equipment, and plants was the South East, at four British pounds. Comparatively, those in London spent the least. When it came to specific gardening items people in the UK were willing to spend the most on, garden furniture, DIY equipment, and BBQ equipment were top of the list in July 2020.Additionally, due to many shops and garden centers closing their doors to the public, it would appear that many people bought gardening items online during the pandemic in 2020. As a result, online gardening and home improvement product sales showed year-over-year growthin all categories.
