Monday, October 5, 2026
Garden market 2026: what trends for professionals in the sector?
As a partner of the French Garden Centers and Pet Shops Federation, JdC Garden Trends closely monitors developments in the garden market to support distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers in their strategic decisions. The latest data from the distributor panel, jointly compiled by the French Garden Centers and Pet Shops Federation and the French DIY Stores Federation, provides a precise overview of the sector as of the end of August 2026.
In a context marked by exceptional heat waves, severe drought and persistent pressure on household purchasing power, the garden market is demonstrating its resilience, even if some categories are experiencing a significant slowdown.
A garden market worth 5.8 billion euros by the end of August 2026
At the end of August 2026, sales of garden products reached 5.8 billion euros including VAT, a decrease of 1.4% compared to the same period in 2025. After a dynamic start to the year, weather conditions strongly influenced consumer purchasing behavior and the performance of the different departments.
The changes differ depending on the distribution channels:
- Garden centers and agricultural self-service stores: -4.9%
- Supermarkets: -1.7%
- Large DIY stores: +2.6%
These differences show that consumption habits are changing, with an increased search for products related to outdoor living and leisure in the garden.
Heat and drought: a direct impact on garden purchases
The year 2026 will be remembered for its exceptional weather conditions. France experienced its hottest spring and summer on record, with temperatures 1.7°C and 3.6°C above seasonal averages, respectively. The country also suffered 53 days of heatwave conditions and a rainfall deficit exceeding 40% during the summer.
These conditions directly impacted gardening purchases. Consumers planted less and reduced their spending on several product categories, particularly those highly dependent on weather conditions.
Plants remain the cornerstone of the garden market
With a turnover of 1.5 billion euros, plants remain the leading sector of the garden market and are still an essential driver of traffic for garden centers.
However, drought and high temperatures weighed on sales:
- Vegetable garden: -5.5%
- Outdoor vegetation: -3%
- Houseplants: -4.8%
- Overall plant sector: -3.2%
These figures confirm the importance for retailers and suppliers to continue innovating around drought-resistant plants, water-efficient gardening and new consumer expectations regarding sustainability.
Garden maintenance is slowing down
The garden maintenance market is also experiencing a downturn. Power tools are among the categories most affected, with a 5.2% decrease across all distribution channels.
This trend can be explained both by the slowdown in gardening activity and by household budgetary choices. Consumers are prioritizing essential spending and postponing certain equipment purchases.
For manufacturers and distributors, this trend highlights the importance of working on product ranges, services and education around the value of product use.
Outdoor landscaping and garden leisure activities are proving to be the most popular.
Among the good news for the sector, the world of outdoor design and decoration continues to grow. Large DIY stores, in particular, are benefiting from this enthusiasm for improving outdoor spaces.
Garden leisure activities recorded a growth of +10.6% in this sector, demonstrating that the garden remains a true place of relaxation, conviviality and well-being for the French.
This dynamic confirms several underlying trends observed in recent years:
- enhancement of the terrace and outdoor spaces;
- seeking comfort at home;
- development of convivial outdoor moments;
- investments in landscaping the garden rather than in larger-scale projects.
Strategic data for the entire gardening sector
One of the key findings of this research lies in the creation of a consolidated distributor panel. This panel covers approximately 70% of the garden center and agricultural self-service market and over 90% of DIY superstores and consolidated NielsenIQ data. In total, the analyzed data represents 23 brands operating in the garden market.
For the brands, suppliers, distributors and manufacturers present at JdC Garden Trends, these indicators constitute a valuable tool to anticipate market developments, adapt assortments and identify future growth drivers.
The garden market facing the challenges of tomorrow
Despite a limited decline of 1.4%, the garden market is demonstrating real resilience in a complex economic and climatic environment. Plants remain central to consumer expectations, while landscaping and garden leisure activities continue to support demand.
These trends will be at the center of discussions during JdC Garden Trends, an unmissable event for professionals in gardening, outdoor design and plants.