Upcoming Trade Shows in UK for Gardening

The gardening industry in the UK lit a match and flicked it into gasoline during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s how quickly revenue rose during the height of the lockdowns. Millions of Brits found solace and purpose in the simple act of gardening. Initially, the boom in gardening was seen as a mere coping mechanism during lockdowns, but even after businesses reopened and it was safe to go out again, the gardening industry experienced a full-fledged gardening renaissance, In 2020, as the pandemic tightened its grip, 77% of UK residents either maintained or increased their gardening activities compared to pre-pandemic levels. This surge in interest propelled over 3.5 million individuals to take up gardening for the first time. By 2022, the gardening revolution had taken firm root, with the number of new gardeners soaring to 7 million. Notably, this surge in gardening activities also catalyzed a spike in career aspirations within the horticultural sector. In 2021, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) witnessed a 58% increase in applications for its work-based program with nearly three-quarters of applicants expressing a desire for a fresh start in their career. This interest was particularly pronounced among younger demographics with individuals aged 25-34 comprising the largest segment of hopefuls, followed closely by the 35-44 age group. Gender dynamics within the gardening sphere also underwent a notable transformation during the pandemic. While 93% of women found themselves drawn to gardening more frequently, with a notable 20% increase among young women aged 18 to 24, the same enthusiasm was less prevalent among young men with just 8% reporting an uptick in gardening activities. The pandemic spurred a renewed interest in self-sufficiency and sustainability with about a third of UK adults cultivating their own herbs, fruits and vegetables. Nearly 28% of British adults reported dedicating vegetable patches in their gardens.