The past cannot change, but it can teach

As we look back over the 2025 season, it’s fair to say that the horticultural industry has once again faced its share of challenges, surprises, and lessons learned – says Technical Area Sales Manager Steve Chapman.  Every year brings its own blend of opportunities and obstacles. While there have been clear winners and losers across the sector, UK grower’s resilience and innovation continues to shine through.

The year began with great promise. The Easter weekend couldn’t have been better, aligning with a spell of glorious weather. Early sales were strong, and optimism filled the air across garden centres and nurseries alike. It felt like things were falling into place for what many hoped would be a long-awaited bumper season.

However, as anyone in horticulture knows all too well, nature has a way of keeping us humble. May sales didn’t quite match the momentum of March and April. While high early spring temperatures meant that many growers benefited from reduced heating costs in protected environments but came with an unexpected trade-off: the early emergence of vine weevil adults.

Steve Chapman, Technical Area Sales Manager

Forward planning paid off

For those who hadn’t implemented preventative measures, such as Lalguard M52 GR or beneficial nematodes, infestations came as an unwelcome surprise. Thankfully, many growers who had their Vine Weevil Seeka nematodes programme in place early in the season found themselves well-prepared, staying ahead of what could have been a damaging and costly outbreak.

It once again highlighted how forward planning and integrated pest management (IPM) can make all the difference.

Sustaining crop quality through dry periods

Then, as the industry hope for some much-needed rainfall to balance the early warmth, several heatwaves swept across the country – pushing growers and gardeners to their limits.

Water resources became stretched as reservoirs and storage tanks dropped alarmingly low. In these moments, H2Gro once again proved to be an invaluable ally. Its ability to enhance water efficiency and distribution within growing media truly came into its own. Many growers have commented that H2Gro is “worth its weight in gold” – and this year reinforced that belief. Without it, sustaining crop quality through those dry spells would have been much harder.

New secure pot topper

Of course, when one challenge eases, another often appears. The arrival of prolonged warm weather saw the inevitable surge of weeds. However, this coincided perfectly with the launch of our four-time award-winning Fibagro Advance Pot Topper FT – a product that is quickly becoming a grower favourite.

Innovative Fusion Technology (FT) ensures it adheres securely to the compost surface, remaining in place even when plants are tipped or moved. Unlike traditional pot toppers, that can blow away or easily shift, this stays exactly where it’s needed – providing all the benefits with none of the downsides.

Growers have reported excellent results across the board, noting how effortlessly it runs through automated pot topping machinery, while being easy to apply manually to older stock. Beyond its functional benefits, our new Fibagro Advance Pot Topper is also helping rejuvenate nursery plants, giving them a clean, fresh, and retail-ready look – a simple but powerful way to add value and appeal in an increasingly competitive market.

Valuable lessons

Standing alongside growers, ICL sets out to provide products, advice, and support designed not only to meet today’s challenges but to anticipate those of tomorrow. While the past cannot change, it can always teach – and 2025 has given us valuable lessons to carry forward into a new growing year.

For further information or advice on ICL products and Total Solutions – contact your local Technical Area Sales Manager.