Think the typical gardening enthusiast is retirement age with a large outside space? Think again. Draper Tools has surveyed the nation’s young people to get their views on gardening and it’s clear gardening is enjoying a renaissance among 18 – 34 year olds. 

Night clubs out, garden centres in

The Draper Tools poll of 2,000 young people found that gardening has enjoyed a surge in popularity among 18 to 34 year-olds during lockdown.  

83% of young people now describe gardening as ’cool’ and 54% would rather amble around a garden centre than dance the night away in a club. 

The appeal is rooted in mindfulness, with a desire to make their homes and gardens a nicer place to be, to improve mental health, and creating a space they can escape to.  

It also emerged that gardening is so popular that young adults spend close to two hours during a typical week taking care of their beloved plants. 

Kev Smith, Head of Marketing at Draper Tools commented on the findings: “The popularity among young adults is fantastic to see, we knew it was popular, but even we were surprised by the outpouring of love for it.  

There’s a tendency to think of gardening as an activity for older people, but this study proves that gardening really is for everyone, whatever your age. 

Gardening is a very calming activity, as well as a rewarding one – everyone can enjoy the benefits it brings.” 

Shopping for the garden

The study found the most popular houseplants among those polled are cacti, orchids, and aloe vera, followed by basil, spider plants and peace lilies.  

Outdoors, the most common are daffodils, roses, and lavender, along with tulips, mint and hydrangea. 

While the act of gardening itself is one of the biggest appeals – it appears to be more than that. Two thirds (66%) also said they love shopping for gardening items – whether that’s plants, seeds, or tools.  

When it comes to tools and equipment, some the items most likely to be on the wish list are garden gloves, a hedge trimmer and pruning tools. 

To date, those polled have spent £318.56 on such items – with 58% revealing they’ve spent more on gardening during the past 12 months or so than ever before. 

In fact, 56% said gardening is one of the things which has kept them going in the wake of the pandemic. 

But this doesn’t mean their interest looks likely to shrivel-up like an unloved plant – 72% intend to keep on investing in plants, tools, equipment, and more to fulfil their vision for their garden.   

Garden size doesn’t matter 

Carried out through OnePoll, the study also found 60% wish they had access to more outside space than they do currently – so they could be even more green fingered. 

However, 78% believe you don’t need a big outdoor area to experience the benefits of gardening. 

The most popular place to grow plants is on the kitchen windowsill, while living rooms, bathrooms and balconies are also popular locations for all things green.  

Kev Smith continued: “Gardening is incredibly accessible which might in part explain its increasing popularity. 

Wherever you live, whatever your space, anyone can give growing plants a go – and we’re seeing more and more people embracing this. 

The transformative effect of plants on areas big or small is just one of many great things about having plants in your home – both inside and out.”   

Support for garden retailers 

Draper has all the tools to help retailers tap into this exciting new market, contact your Draper Account Manager to find out more or take a look at www.drapertools.com/sowmuchmore. Draper stockists will also be able to access more details on Draper’s b2b website.  

The top ten tools on young people’s wish list: 

  1. Garden gloves 
  2. A complete set of gardening tools 
  3. Lawn mower 
  4. Hedge trimmer 
  5. Pruning tools such as loppers, secateurs, shears 
  6. Weeders or tools for weed control 
  7. Garden kneeler 
  8. Hand trowel or fork 
  9. Leaf blower 
  10. Spade or digging fork 

For more information on Draper Tools range of products, check Draper Tools supplier page

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