With the Garden Tools & Equipment sector forecast to see good growth in coming years, and with innovation being driven by a raft of factors – from environmental expectations and ergonomics to smart solutions and multi-tool systems – GIMA members offer a rundown of the latest launches in the category and how retailers can enhance their offer.
Despite the Horticultural Trades Association reporting a decline in sales value for YTD April 2026 vs 2025i, the garden tools & equipment market in UK is expected to reach a projected revenue of more than £5,113 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% between 2025 and 2030ii. Underpinned by significant innovation in the category, this positive forecast creates a wealth of opportunities for garden retailers to capitalise on as they seek to arm customers with the right tools for the job.
Built with the user in mind
“Gardeners are increasingly looking for tools that combine performance with comfort, particularly as more people spend longer periods maintaining and improving their outdoor spaces,” explains Mark Hewett of EP Barrus. “Lightweight design is a major factor here, helping to reduce fatigue while improving control and precision. The Wilkinson Sword Ultralight range has been developed to meet this demand, offering up to 50% weight reduction across essential tools without compromising on strength or durability. From cutting and shaping to digging and lawn care, the Ultralight range enables a wider audience to garden more comfortably, for longer.”
Performance is still key in this category but ergonomics and ease of use are now more important to consumers than raw power. “Demand for high-quality, problem-solving tools continues to grow as gardeners look for efficient, chemical-free solutions,” says Steve Harper of Grass Gains. “Retailers can capitalise by offering tools that deliver visible results with minimal effort. Grass Gains’ WeedXtractor is a premium manual weeding tool designed to remove weeds cleanly from the root. Featuring hardened steel prongs and an innovative ‘shotgun’ ejection mechanism, it offers performance comparable to leading brands at a more accessible price point. Supplied in shelf-ready packaging, WeedXtractor provides strong margins and standout in-store appeal for retailers this season.”
Meanwhile, Alex Mangan reassures retailers that, “Greenkey Garden & Home is bringing fresh innovations to the tool aisle with smart, comfort-focused garden tools gardeners will love.” Greenkey’s Long Handled Weed Puller combines a 94cm wooden handle with an iron hammer finished, rust resistant head, giving customers an easy, stand-up solution for tackling deep rooted weeds. “Also new for 2026,” says Alex, “is the Long Handled Hand Tool Range, designed to make border and raised bed work feel effortless. With 43cm handles and durable iron hammer finished heads, the Trowel, Fork, Transplanter, Weeder, and Cultivator offer comfort, reach and long-lasting performance that will delight gardeners of all abilities.”
As some consumers continue to keep a firm hold of purse strings, Burgon & Ball advises garden centres how to carefully curate their tool offer to encourage that discretionary spend. Rainer Schubert comments: “In the present challenging economic times, retailers should look to offer ranges with a compelling point of difference, which can still tempt shoppers to spend – such as the unique proposition of our new RHS-endorsed BoronGreen tools. We believe BoronGreen to be the first UK range to combine the superior performance of boron steel, coupled with advanced sustainability ambitions. The steel is 80% from recycled sources and, like all Burgon & Ball tools, the range also uses FSC®-certified wood. This unique combination of sustainability and performance holds great consumer appeal, while also helping retailers meet their own sustainability targets.”
Smart systems
With hotter summers and greater need for water efficiency, there are increasing opportunities in watering equipment – particularly with automated systems that make life easier for gardeners. Hydro-4 BT is Claber’s all-in-one solution for DIY underground irrigation, designed to meet the growing demand for smart home products. Claber’s Sara Levatino explains: “This compact valve box combines an electronic timer with four integrated solenoid valves, now enhanced with Bluetooth smartphone control. Compared to traditional systems, it simplifies installation because it requires no deep digging, and operates on batteries, eliminating the need for electrical connections while ensuring reliable, flexible irrigation management.
One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been a move away from petrol machinery and corded tools toward lighter, quieter, eco‑friendly battery systems, as UK gardeners increasingly favour low-emission equipment, with the added appeal of interchangeable batteries across multiple cordless tools.
“Yard Force is a leading provider of innovative garden machinery, delivering reliable, high-performance solutions for modern outdoor spaces,” says Jack Thirkhill. “With a strong focus on cordless freedom, our advanced lithium-ion battery platform powers a wide range of tools, offering convenience, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. Alongside this, our robotic mowing range, including models like the new i600, reflects the growing demand for smart, autonomous lawn care. By combining cutting-edge technology with user-focused design, Yard Force continues to support retailers with products that meet evolving consumer needs.”
