The latest Garden Market Update from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) reveals a strong start to 2011, with trade across the sector up on 2010 and 2009 levels, boosted by the warm spring.
Data from the HTA's Garden Retail Monitor shows trading is up 16% for the first quarter of the year.

In terms of outlook there are many reasons for the industry to be positive, said the organisation, with its January member survey showing 92% of members were planning for 2011 on the basis of maintaining or growing their businesses.

HTA director of marketing and communications Andrew Maxted said: "There has been a positive start to the year for the garden sector and looking ahead there is good reason for being optimistic with the consumer appetite for gardening remaining strong."

According to the organisation, 50% of garden owners intend to grow their own fruit, salad and vegetables compared with 45% last year. Of those intending to grow their own, 12% would be first times, indicating that the trend has some mileage yet.