Garden centre sales have seen a huge spike in orders over the last two weeks, following advice from the government to stay at home amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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As people turned to plants and their gardens, garden centres and nurseries with mail order saw increased demand for seeds, compost and plants.
According to the Guardian, the Blue Diamond group, which has 37 outlets across the UK, saw a 64 per cent year-on-year increase in sales the day after people were asked to work from home.
Elsewhere, sales for Suttons salad leaves are reportedly up 700 per cent, with tomato seeds up 421 per cent.
Many smaller seed companies have posted updated on their websites telling customers there is increased demand and to bear with the situation.
Chiltern Seeds is currently not taking and new orders (although they hope to be back open very soon) while Higgledy Garden, which offers sustainable seeds for growing, put out the below update on Twitter
Higgledy is busier than usual because of c-19. I know some established (Tax paying) flower businesses have been hit hard and might not make it until emergency funds arrive in June. HG may be able to help with small bridging loans to keep us all afloat. Pls DM if you need help. xx
— Benjamin Ranyard (@higgledygarden) March 30, 2020
Jekka’s Herbs are posting that there may be a delay in orders due to the volume of sales.
Many garden centres and nurseries are keeping their mail orders open for business but are experiencing increased demand. Don’t miss our list of the ones you can still order from here. Plus our favourite seed suppliers here.
Authors
Daisy Bowie-Sell is digital editor of Gardens Illustrated. She has previously worked as a journalist for publications including the Daily Telegraph, WhatsOnStage and Time Out London
