Summer is a pivotal season for garden centers. While the heat can slow down some gardening activity, it also opens up unique opportunities to connect with your community, boost sales, and build customer loyalty. With the right marketing approach, you can turn summer’s challenges into your busiest—and most profitable—months. Here are five essential summer marketing ideas for garden centers that will help you grow your business all season long.
1. Host Themed Workshops and Demonstrations
Educational events are a proven way to draw in both new and returning customers during the summer. Consider offering weekly or bi-weekly workshops on topics like “Drought-Tolerant Landscaping,” “Summer Container Gardens,” or “Organic Pest Control for Hot Weather.” Live demonstrations—such as how to build a pollinator-friendly planter or install drip irrigation—give customers hands-on experience and position your staff as trusted experts. Promote these events on your website, social media, and in-store signage to maximize attendance.
2. Launch a Summer Loyalty Program
Summer is the perfect time to reward your regulars and encourage repeat business. Create a seasonal loyalty program that offers points for every purchase, special discounts on featured plants, or exclusive early access to new arrivals. Even a simple punch card for summer purchases can motivate customers to return. Be sure to highlight your loyalty program at checkout, in your email newsletter, and on your social media channels. A well-promoted loyalty program not only boosts sales but also turns satisfied shoppers into enthusiastic brand advocates.
3. Embrace Social Commerce and Shoppable Content
Your customers are spending more time online during the summer months, especially on mobile devices. Make it as easy as possible for them to shop with you by embracing social commerce. Create shoppable posts on Facebook and Instagram featuring your summer bestsellers, new arrivals, and seasonal promotions. Use short videos or reels to showcase plant care tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or quick DIY projects. Don’t forget to include clear calls to action and direct links to your website or online store. Social commerce expands your reach and captures impulse purchases from both loyal customers and new fans.
4. Partner with Local Businesses for Cross-Promotions
Summer is a great time to build relationships with other local businesses. Team up with a nearby café, farmers market, or hardware store for a joint promotion or event. For example, you could offer a discount to customers who show a receipt from your partner business, or host a “Garden & Grill” weekend event with a local barbecue restaurant. Cross-promotions introduce your garden center to new audiences, strengthen your community ties, and create memorable experiences for your customers. Be sure to share these collaborations on social media and tag your partners for maximum exposure.
5. Create a “Summer Survival” Marketing Campaign
Help your customers—and your sales—beat the heat by launching a “Summer Survival” campaign. Highlight products that help gardens thrive in hot weather, such as drought-tolerant plants, mulch, shade cloth, and efficient watering tools. Offer bundled deals or starter kits for summer gardening success. Use your blog, email newsletter, and social channels to share tips for keeping gardens healthy in extreme temperatures. Educational content not only drives product sales but also establishes your garden center as a trusted resource for seasonal advice.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to be a slow season for garden centers. By offering engaging events, rewarding loyalty, leveraging digital tools, collaborating locally, and providing timely solutions, you can keep your business blooming all summer long. Try these five marketing ideas to attract new customers, deepen relationships with your community, and make this your best summer yet.
