Why We Grow with the Seasons Instead of Against Them

In a world where most fruits and vegetables are available year-round, it can be strange to hear a vendor say “ahh, we don't have that at the moment - it's not in season”.

But, as market gardeners, growing seasonally is one of the most important aspects of our day-to-day life.

Sure, we could adjust the conditions (in the greenhouse, usually) to convince hot-season crops to grow in winter… but that goes against their natural cycle, and we're all about working with nature, not against her!

Were we to try grow crops outside of their typical season, we would need to invest huge amounts into artificial heating, light and irrigation.

Not to mention that forcing plants to grow outside of their season means they are more at risk of pest and disease infection - which overall translates to stressed, weaker and less nutrient dense produce.

Without delving too much into the science behind it, plants grown in the right season taste so much better. Summer means tomatoes, beans, corn, strawberries and courgettes - their colour is more vibrant from the longer natural day length, and the flavours are more pronounced.

Winter brings brassicas and root veggies, who taste sweeter than their warm-weather counterparts, thanks to the frosts converting starch to sugars.

Growing seasonally shapes everything we do: what we plant, harvest, eat - even the rhythm of life out in the fields. It's our way of showing our deep respect of nature (who always knows best!).

It's how we are able to grow such delicious, nutritious veggies, and it helps us connect to you: our wonderful community!