How Our Growers Handle Summer Extremes

The Heat Is On – Farming Through Summer Extremes

As the UK faces increasingly hot and dry summers, farmers across the country are having to rethink how they grow. At S. Thorogood & Sons, we work with a network of growers who are constantly adapting to ensure that fresh, seasonal produce can still be grown sustainably and delivered at its best.

This summer has brought record temperatures and a lack of consistent rainfall in key growing regions like East Anglia and the South East. For our growers, that means getting smart with water use, harvesting timings, and crop planning.

Water Is Everything

With rainfall becoming less reliable, irrigation has become a lifeline. Many of our partner farms now invest in on-site reservoirs, winter rain capture, and efficient drip systems that minimise waste and keep crops hydrated at the root. These methods reduce dependency on mains water and allow for better planning even in drought conditions.

Some growers are also using moisture sensors and real-time weather monitoring to apply water only when and where it’s needed most – protecting both yields and the environment.

Harvesting Earlier, Planning Smarter

Heat speeds up the growth cycle. That means crops like courgettes, lettuce, peas, and brassicas often reach maturity earlier than expected. Our growers are responding with:

Staggered planting to spread harvests

Earlier picking to avoid spoilage

Close coordination with us to manage fast-moving supply

Flexible harvests keep produce fresh and reduce field waste, but it takes tight teamwork from soil to shelf.

Why It Matters for Buyers

For chefs, delis and farm shops, understanding the impact of weather on produce helps make sense of availability, shelf life and flavour. It's why we always flag when something is in peak condition or coming in fast.

By choosing to buy from producers who are working with these new realities, you're supporting farms that are building long-term resilience into their operations.

At Thorogood’s, we stand by our growers and help customers make informed, seasonal choices – even in unpredictable growing conditions.