Tabletop tomatoes and drought-resistant roses tipped as 2026’s top garden trends
RHS predicts big shift in gardening habits as green-fingered Britons adapt to climate breakdown
TL;DR
- Miniature vegetable plants (aubergines, chillies, peppers, tomatoes) are predicted to replace cut flowers as home decor in 2026.
- Dwarf vegetable varieties are being developed to be decorative and productive.
- Gardeners are increasingly looking for drought-tolerant plants due to recent dry weather.
- Roses are being crossbred with central Asian varieties for increased drought and disease resistance.
- The use of 'in-and-out plants', traditionally indoor varieties grown outdoors in summer, is on the rise.
- Tomato sales saw a significant increase in 2025 and are expected to remain popular.
- Innovative watering solutions, including modified water butts and AI-enabled systems, are being trialled.