HTA predicts bright future for UK gardening

The Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) has backed leading gardening retailers suggestions that the weather has had more of an effect on the gardening industry than the global economic crisis has.
 
It is confident that demand for core products will continue to grow steadily after Garden Industry Monitor figures showed that consumer spending on plants is on the up.
 
There has been a 14 per cent rise in seed sales, with a ten per cent increase in young plant sales in the last year.
 
HTA director general David Gwyther predicted a bright future for gardening in the UK.
 
"These positive signs will be backed by the clear determination amongst Britains 20 million gardeners to be green, spend more time in their garden, use more seeds and edible plants, buy local and support good local businesses – all good news for our industry," he said.
 
With the poor weather, more gardeners may consider investing in a greenhouse to allow them to practice their hobby in more hospitable conditions, which would also enable them to grow more sensitive plants.