US horticulture firm reports strong sales

US horticulture firm reports strong sales

» 10th May 2010 «

The popularity of gardening has been highlighted by strong sales figures from a renowned US company.

Scotts Miracle-Grow recently released its fiscal figures for the three months to April 3rd, businessweek.com reported.

The stats show that the firm enjoyed a strong start to the year, with takings in the second fiscal quarter up to $118.5 million.

The figure marks a 53 per cent rise on 2009's total of $77.4 million in the same period and illustrates how Americans have taken to gardening in a big way following the financial downturn.

Furthermore, store purchases were also up by seven per cent this year, while Sunday is obviously the most popular day for gardeners to go shopping as sales on the Sabbath rose by 11 per cent.

However, chief executive officer Jim Hagedorn is not resting on his laurels and told the website that the summer months will be crucial.

"The month of May remains a critical time of our year and our team will stay focused on continuing to drive our business during this peak season as well as throughout the year," he said.

Americans may have been inspired by first lady Michelle Obama, who last year founded a kitchen garden at the White House.

Posted by Martin Corby