Ahead of the Easter bank holiday, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has seen online plant sales from RHS Plants soar by 78% compared to the same period last year, with gardeners racing to perfect their patches over the long weekend.
In addition to successful overall sales, the UK’s plant charity has seen a 142% increase in sales of perennial plants, a 60% rise in seed sales and an increase of over 70% in bulbs and climbing plant varieties as shoppers get their gardens summer-ready.
The rise is thought to be down to green-fingered go-getters looking to update outdoor spaces with perennials and bulbs providing a fast, hardy, and cost-effective solution to get ready for hosting season with their immediate colour and early flowers. The wet weather has also prevented gardeners from planting in the winter season making the bank holiday crucial for last-minute planting.
Those looking to spruce up their spaces also drove a 30% increase in sales for shrubs, roses, and outdoor pots compared to the previous year, with shoppers looking for more ways to dress their spaces for summer. There was also a 64% increase in fruit plants, with Brits looking to grow their own, and a 700% increase in tree sales overall, with gardeners also looking to make their marks on their green spaces.
Helena Pettit, RHS director of shows, commercial and innovation, said: “We are delighted to see that the public is poised to prioritise their gardens this Easter Bank holiday. There is no better way to enjoy fresh air than to get out and work on green spaces, big or small. The rise in sales comes as gardeners enjoy a mild spring following a wet winter, and we hope gardeners make the most of this important time on the calendar. We are also delighted shoppers are choosing to support our charitable work by shopping through RHS Plants.”
Guy Barter, RHS chief horticulturist, has given his top 10 tips for gardening over the Easter break after a very wet few months:
- Grass grows well now, but if mown when the soil is wet, ground damage results. So await drier conditions, then cut in stages no more than a third at a time until the desired level, typically 2cm, is reached
- Feeding when the lawn can be traversed will help the grass grow roots to replace those damaged by water-logging
- Don’t maul seeds, plants, tubers or bulbs into wet soil as they can be seriously harmed. Wait, even if it’s until mid-May, and plant from planks when you do
- Some seeds are time critical. Brussels sprouts, leeks and bulbing onions must be started now for a worthwhile crop – raise them in modules. Plants can by bought but there may well be a run on supplies this spring
- Think of any planting plans that had to be abandoned as opportunities to try more varied April and May sown crops such as cucamelons, cucumbers and gherkins, French and runner beans, melons, watermelons, pumpkins, coloured sweetcorn, a range of winter squash. Sweet potato cuttings: there should be plenty of seed available, but order early just in case
- Cloches and coldframes are expensive but now is the time to invest, funds permitting, as they will shed the rain and warm the soil while allowing good airflow. Typically they bring crops forward by about two weeks compared to uncovered ground. Polythene, ideally re-used, is cheaper but less good as it inhibits evaporation but can work well on lighter soils
- If gaps appear later in spring, sow speedy seeds to fill them in May (or now in modules if preferred). Calendula, cerinthe, cosmos, sunflower, nasturtium or zinnia, for example
- Plants don’t mind wet feet in winter but they can be damaged in warmer weather if drainage is impeded, with the respiring roots literally suffocated. Check pots are draining well and place in the “rain shadows” of walls if possible
- Don’t mulch until soils dry out – mulch just slows down evaporation, but once the soils are dry enough to hoe, follow this by mulching
- Spring gardening will be compressed this year, so buy in all the sundries, labels for example, in good time. Buy and mend tools, consider hiring tools such as rotovators and bigger mowers bearing in mind demand will be high
Shoppers looking for inspiration can visit: www.rhsplants.co.uk
