How consumers are rethinking homes and gardens in 2026

As the 2026 season gets underway, consumers are re-evaluating how their homes and gardens function, with increased focus on spaces that are practical, low-maintenance and closely connected to nature. From compact urban balconies to family gardens, shoppers are prioritising solutions that support everyday living, sustainability and wellbeing – creating opportunities for retailers to align ranges with evolving consumer expectations. 

Sustainable plant pot innovator elho shares the key home and garden trends shaping purchasing decisions this year, and how retailers can respond with the right products on the shelf. 

Biodiversity becomes a core category 

Biodiversity is no longer a niche interest and is increasingly shaping purchasing decisions. Consumers are actively looking for ways to support birds, bees and beneficial insects, even in small gardens and balconies. 

The biodiversity collection provides garden centres with a ready-made range of bird houses, feeders and insect hotels designed to support wildlife throughout the year. Available in three distinct styles – B’s cosy, B’s essential and B’s organic – the range allows retailers to merchandise biodiversity products that align with different garden styles while reinforcing sustainability messaging. 

Water-wise solutions gain importance 

Water conservation remains a priority in 2026, driven by sustainability goals and rising household utility costs. Consumers are increasingly looking for practical ways to reduce reliance on mains water while keeping plants healthy, making rainwater collection a cost-effective and accessible solution. 

Retailers can meet this demand with rainwater harvesting options suited to different garden sizes and shopper preferences: 

• green basics rainbarrel plus – 200L capacity with stand, tap and integrated planter, ideal for larger gardens 
•  green basics rain catcher – a compact rainwater collection solution designed for smaller outdoor spaces  
• pure raindrop rainbarrel – combines distinctive design with everyday functionality for style-conscious consumers 

Together, these products allow retailers to appeal to both value-led and design-driven shoppers seeking smarter, more water-efficient gardening solutions. 

Affordable luxury and timeless calm 

Products that offer longevity and timeless design are being increasingly favoured over fast-changing trends. Influences from Japanese and Scandinavian design continue to shape demand for soft silhouettes, muted tones and natural textures. 

The premium collection – amber, june and eden – reflect this shift. The ranges offer versatile formats suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, with selected products featuring the aquacare system to support consistent plant hydration and reduced maintenance. These design-led collections give retailers premium options that combine strong visual appeal with practical plant care. 

Grow your own made accessible 

Growing fruit, vegetables and herbs remains a strong lifestyle trend, but in 2026 the focus is firmly on accessibility and ease of use. Consumers are moving away from traditional vegetable plots in favour of compact, raised and tabletop growing solutions that fit effortlessly into modern lifestyles. Windowsills, patios and balconies are increasingly used for herbs, salads and soft fruit, appealing to novice, urban and time-poor gardeners alike. 

Retailers can respond to this demand with versatile, space-saving products that make growing produce easy and convenient: 

• noa grow table – raised growing at a comfortable working height, with an integrated water reservoir, water level indicator and matching grow house 
• green basics strawberry pot – elevated design with built-in water reservoir to support healthy, compact soft fruit growing 
• bouncy basil pot – supports controlled water uptake through a floating inner pot, reducing overwatering and improving herb longevity 
• green basics seed tray – compact six-cell tray for easy seed sowing and organised propagation 

Together, these ranges enable retailers to offer complete, accessible grow-your-own solutions for gardeners at every experience level. 

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By combining considered design with durable, sustainable materials, elho continues to support retailers with products that meet both practical and aesthetic expectations. Manufactured from 100% recycled plastic using renewable energy and fully recyclable, the range reflects a consistent commitment to circular design. As sustainability remains a key driver of purchasing decisions, elho offers retailers a credible, long-term proposition that aligns environmental responsibility with everyday usability. 

Ends

Editors notes

elho is a plant pot innovator on a mission to inspire as many people as possible to surround themselves with greenery and nature. It does this through creating beautiful, sustainable plant pots and accessories, both for inside the home and for outdoor spaces, whether you have a garden, patio or balcony. Designed to make plant care easy and accessible for everyone, its wide range of products feature clever innovations, such as built-in water reservoirs and invisible wheels, and are created with style at the forefront.

The family business was founded in 1964 and since 2019 elho is proud to call itself a B Corp. As of January 2024, all of its products are made from 100% recycled plastic using wind energy, and are 100% recyclable. In addition, elho has an A-class TÜV certification for the use of recycled plastic.