A recent survey conducted by Yougov on behalf of online retailer Galaxus has shed light on the gardening habits of Europeans across the DACH region, France, and Italy. The findings reveal a continent where gardening is a widespread pastime, with significant variations in participation and enthusiasm.
According to the survey, three-quarters of Europeans engage in gardening activities, with half of them dedicating more than two hours weekly to tasks such as planting, harvesting, mowing, or weeding. Austrians emerge as the most avid gardeners, with an impressive eighty percent actively involved in gardening.
The proximity of gardens to homes varies considerably: forty percent of respondents have gardens right on their doorstep, while ten percent have transformed their balconies or terraces into lush green spaces. Allotment gardens, however, show diverse popularity among countries, with Germany and Austria leading at twelve percent each, compared to a mere three percent in France and Italy.
The survey also highlights significant differences in time investment among Europeans. Germans and Austrians top the list, with more than a third spending at least three hours per week in their gardens from March to October. Swiss respondents, in contrast, allocate less time, with around eighteen percent dedicating similar efforts to their green spaces. Age rather than gender appears to influence gardening habits, as older individuals show a greater inclination towards spending time nurturing their gardens.
Financial investments in gardening reveal distinct patterns as well. Austrians are the highest spenders, with over a third likely to invest more than EUR 200 on gardening essentials this season, and thirteen percent splurging upwards of EUR 500. Conversely, Swiss respondents are noted for their financial generosity in gardening pursuits, while Italians and French show more restraint. Age plays a pivotal role here too, with individuals aged forty to fifty-nine demonstrating the highest propensity to invest in their gardens.
In terms of planting preferences, flowers and perennials dominate European gardens, appearing in nearly three-quarters of all surveyed plots. Herbs also enjoy popularity, while berry bushes and lettuce rank lower in popularity, found in only one-third of gardens.
Looking ahead to this season, respondents express a penchant for planting fresh herbs, followed by vegetable plants and flowers or perennials. Fruit trees and berry bushes, however, are less common, appearing in only one in ten gardens.
When asked about motivations for gardening, nearly sixty percent cite recreation and relaxation as primary reasons. The enjoyment derived from gardening is particularly pronounced among French respondents. Austrians, meanwhile, lead in self-sufficiency aspirations, contrasting with Swiss, Italian, and German gardeners who display varied levels of enthusiasm for the hobby.
In summary, the survey underscores the widespread appeal of gardening across Europe, while highlighting nuanced differences in habits and attitudes among its diverse populations. As Europeans continue to nurture their green spaces, these insights provide a comprehensive glimpse into the continent’s gardening landscape.
