Prices spiral at garden centres

Prices in garden centres are rising at more than double the inflation rate, leaving gardeners paying over 10 per cent more this year than last, according to the Horticultural Trades Association. Shortages of raw materials, fuel and plastic price hikes, Brexit red tape and Covid-related shipping delays mean compost has shot up by 8-10 per cent, plants by 10-15 per cent and garden furniture by 15-25 per cent.

Writer Kim Stoddart spent a year gardening without spending money and says making her own potting mixes and raising plants from homesaved seeds and cuttings was easy. “We haven’t always had garden centres,” she says. “Everyone has it in their ability.

For Kim’s costsaving tips visit climatechange garden.uk