With the UK experiencing 320 additional hours of sunshine and 250mm less rain this summer, year-on-year garden category sales saw a significant uptick, according to new data from NIQ.

According to its latest data, garden watering products surged by +19% in sales volume compared to 2024, as consumers fought to keep gardens thriving in the hot weather.

Despite hosepipe bans being brought into force across many UK regions, including Yorkshire, Kent, Sussex and Oxfordshire, water sprinklers were a standout performer, with sales values up over +140% year-on-year. Peat free compost also climbed +14% as shoppers sought more sustainable gardening options.

“The weather so far this year has been extraordinary,” Anthony Creaby, Customer Success Manager at NIQ, said. “For a number of categories this has provided the boost they very much needed after such a poor season of weather in 2024.”

BBQ sales also flourished, with consumers making longer-term investments thanks to weeks of reliable sunshine. Gas and charcoal BBQs grew +8% in value year-on-year, while the average spend on gas BBQs was up +10% versus last year.

However, not all categories benefited from the sunshine. Pressure washers saw a -9% decline in value sales and a -7% dip in volumes, hit by exceptionally strong 2024 results and weather conditions less conducive to outdoor cleaning.

“Our data shows how quickly consumer demand responds to weather conditions and how critical these categories are in keeping the market resilient,” Creaby added.