It’s official, the UK is a nation of gardeners! With recent Census figures showing that 87% of UK households have a garden, many Brits are now beginning to embrace their green thumbs.

But where is the gardening hobby showing the greenest shoots? We’ve discovered the best UK cities for gardeners, based on factors such as average hours of sunlight, access to private gardens and the number of local gardening groups per capita.

Here are the results:

The Top 5 UK Cities for Gardeners

#5. Southend-on-Sea

The coastal city of Southend-on-Sea is known across the country for its golden sandy beaches.

But according to our findings, it should also be known for its lush green gardens. With 99% of households in Southend-on-Sea having access to a private garden according to Census figures, the joint-highest figure in the UK.

Those in Southend with a garden can also enjoy ample sunlight to plant perennials and nurture vegetable seeds to their hearts desire, with an average of 1,884 hours of sunlight a year.

Overall, Southend-on-Sea scored a total of 167 out of a possible 200 in our study. Giving it the well-deserved title of the fifth best city in the United Kingdom for gardeners.

#4. Salford

(Ordsall Hall gardens, Salford)

When it comes to flexing those gardening muscles, Garden Needs, a group that supports the local community through horticulture, which J.Parker’s proudly partners with.

The city is also home to several locations which offer gardening inspiration, such as Ordsall Hall’s famous gardens and the RHS Bridgewater Garden.

Scoring 168 out of a possible 200, Salford is the fourth best city for gardeners in the UK, our findings show.

Living in Salford and wondering where to start? Check out expert tips for gardening in the North.

#3. Bath

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful city of Bath is renowned for its rich heritage. As well as offering a wealth of attractions for lovers of culture and history, Bath also has plenty to offer for lovers of gardening too!

We found that Bath has one of the highest numbers of gardening societies per capita than any other city in the UK. With 179 registered gardening clubs, including a range of Britain in Bloom groups, RHS Affiliated Societies and In Your Neighbourhood groups.

Those who prefer solo gardening are catered to as well, with 96% of households in Bath having access to a private garden.

Scoring 169 out of 200 in our study, Bath is the third best UK city for gardeners.

#2. Oxford

(Christ Church Meadow, Oxford)

Oxford scored highly across a wider range of factors. Including the average hours of sunlight, with an impressive 1,615 per year.

With such wonderful weather, the 99% of Oxford residents who have access to a private garden can sow seeds to their heart’s delight!

Home to ample cottage style gardens, lovers of the #cottagecore trend can indulge in the idyllic nature of Oxford's green offering.

With a total score of 172 out of 200, Oxford narrowly missed out on the top spot, coming second in our study of the best UK cities for gardeners.

#1. Chelmsford

Based on a wide range of factors, Chelmsford came out as the top UK city for gardeners in our study, with an impressive 173 out of 200!

As well as being home to the prestigious RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford boasts plenty of private garden space for its residents, with 97% of households having access to a garden.

And with 1,644 hours of sunlight for gardeners to bask in, the city offers an ideal environment to plant bulbs, perennials and even fruit. With the city being the birthing ground of the ‘Chelmsford Wonder’ apple tree.

The best UK cities for gardeners in each county

North West

#3. Liverpool

#2. Chester

#1. Salford

Salford has plenty on offer for budding garden enthusiasts, with 98% of households having access to a private garden.

The city is also home to RHS Bridgewater Garden, and 465 community gardening groups in the local area. Scoring 168 out of a possible 200, Salford is the best city in the North West for gardeners, and the fourth best city for the hobby in the UK overall, our findings show.

North East

#2. Newcastle-upon-Tyne

#1. Sunderland

Our study has revealed that Sunderland is the top city in the North East for gardeners. As well as 99% of residents having access to a garden, Sunderland is also investing in its local garden offering.

In addition to the much-loved Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, the city is developing a brand-new community garden. With Sunderland City Council calling it ‘a garden which is being created by the community, for the community’.

Yorkshire & The Humber

(Sandal Castle, Wakefield)

#3. Leeds

#2. Bradford

#1. Wakefield

Scoring 132 out of 200, Wakefield is the top city in Yorkshire for gardeners. With 121 gardening societies, those with a passion for plants can enjoy ample activities, community events and workshops.

With a rich history, those living in Wakefield can enjoy lush green spaces, such as Sandal Castle, part of the trail towards the picturesque Pugneys Country Park.

Heading to the area? Discover our favourite gardens to visit in Yorkshire.

West Midlands

#3. Wolverhampton

#2. Coventry

#1. Worcester

With both Spetchley Park Gardens and Croome Court Park and Gardens on its doorstep, Worcester has plenty to offer for gardening enthusiasts.

Although it's one of the smallest cities in the West Midlands, it has the 8^th highest number of local gardening groups per capita in the country.

With a total score of 157 out of 200, Worcester is the top city for gardeners in the West Midlands, and the 11^th best city overall.

East Midlands

(Elvaston Castle, Derby)

#3. Nottingham

#2. Leicester

#1. Derby

From fabulous floral displays to peaceful walks, there’s a wealth of natural beauty within Derby’s many parks and public gardens.

In fact, Derby is home to the famous Derby Arboretum, England's very first public park! As well as the breathtakingly beautiful gardens within Elvaston Castle. With gardens being part of Derby’s rich tapestry, it’s no surprise that the city has a budding gardening community, with 142 garden societies in the local area!

With a total score of 152, Derby is the top city in the East Midlands for gardeners.

London

#2. City of London

#1. Westminster

Westminster is truly a wonderful place for gardeners. It has the highest number of gardening groups per capita in the entire UK, with 352 garden societies within 20 miles of the city per 100,000 people.

Westminster scored an impressive 158 in our study, earning it the well-deserved title of the 10th best city in the UK for gardeners, and the best city in London.

Scotland

(Magdalen Green, Dundee)

#3. Glasgow

#2. Aberdeen

#1. Dundee

Home to lush green spaces such as Magdalen Green, as well as the beautiful Barnhill Rock Garden and Dundee Botanic Garden, the charming city of Dundee is Scotland's top destination for green-fingered gardeners.

97% of its residents have access to a private garden. Offering plenty of opportunities for Dundonians to learn how to grow flowers, plant bulbs and more!

Wales

#3. Swansea

#2. Cardiff

#1. Newport

The Welsh city of Newport has a rich history, with many of its popular gardens dating back hundreds of years. With 102 local gardening groups, it's clear that the city’s love of gardening is still flourishing in the modern day.

Newport was the highest-ranking city in Wales for gardeners, with a total score of 132.

South East

#3. Portsmouth

#2. Southampton

#1. Oxford

As well as coming in our study overall, Oxford reigns as the best city in the South East for gardeners! The 99% of Oxford residents who have access to a private garden can also enjoy an average of 1,615 hours of sunlight per year.

South West

(Bath Town Centre)

#3. Exeter

#2. Bristol

#1. Bath

Our study revealed that Bath has one of the highest numbers of gardening societies per capita than any other city in the UK, with 179 registered gardening clubs.

96% of households in Bath have access to a private garden, catering to those who prefer a spot of solo gardening.

Scoring 169 out of 200 in our study, Bath was the third best UK city for gardeners and the top city in the South West.

East of England

#3. Cambridge

#2. Southend-on-Sea

#1. Chelmsford

With an impressive 173 out of 200, Chelmsford came out as the top UK city for gardeners in our study.

Gardening enthusiasts in Chelmsford can enjoy trips to the RHS Garden Hyde Hall and 1,644 hours of sunlight a year.

J. Parker’s guide to gardening for beginners



Inspired to blossom as a gardener? Our gardening expert Hannah Rowson shares her tips for getting started:

1. Plan your garden displays
It’s easier to start a garden display once it’s been planned from start to finish.Filling a flower bed? Try growing plants that ascend in height from smallest to tallest. For example, growing bedding annuals at the front of the border, mid-sized plants, and shrubs through the midriff and tall perennials at the back.

2. Try transforming your courtyard
Having a courtyard or gravel garden won’t stop you from becoming a budding gardener. Fill these spaces with containers of all sizes with your favourite plants.

3. Invest in the garden tool basics
The right garden tool can transform your gardening skills. Check out our guide to the best garden tools for beginners for inspiration.

4. Tidy up your garden
Before planting anything, make sure you’re starting from a clean canvas. Get rid of any weeds and obstructive stones. Then, be sure to aerate the soil by turning it with a fork and clean up the borders of the beds.

5. Remember that different plants prefer different planting methods
Take some time to research different planting methods. Remember, every plant you buy will have specific planting & growing needs. Getting to grips with these will help to keep your plants happy, encouraging them to thrive and saving time in the long run.

6. Learn the pH of your soil
Different plants thrive in different soils, whether acidic or alkaline. Finding out the pH of your garden soil will help you decide which plants to introduce to your garden. Most garden centres sell DIY soil tester kits, but you can also get them online.

Methodology

To discover the best cities in the UK for gardeners, we analysed a range of factors for each of the UK’s 50 most populous cities:

• Average hours of sunlight (yearly) - Met Office, ‘UK Climate Averages’.
• Percentage of households with access to a private garden – ONS, ‘Access to gardens and public green space in Great Britain’.
• Number of local gardening societies (RHS Affiliated Societies, Britain in Bloom groups, It's Your Neighbourhood groups) - RHS, ‘find a local gardening group’ tool.
• Number of local gardening societies per 100,000 people - RHS, ‘find a local gardening group’ tool and ONS population figures.

Each data point had a weighted score up to 50, with an optimum total score of 200. The cities were then ranked from highest to lowest, the higher the score, the higher the overall ranking.