Tesco is understood to be gearing up for a bid for some or all of the Garden Centre Group.

Garden Centre Group owner Lloyds Banking Group will formally kick off the £300m sale this week, according to the Sunday Times. Tesco’s interest could see it add stores to its garden centre chain Dobbies.

Sources told the paper Tesco could cherry pick 15 to 20 prime sites rather than make a whole bid.

Several private equity firms are also looking at a possible bid. A sales document is being sent out this week. The sale is being handled by Rothschild.

Garden Centre Group operates 131 outlets in England and Wales and employs 4,500 staff. It trades under eight brands including Wyevale and Blooms.

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