An exceptionally warm and dry spring has pushed the UK’s fruit and vegetable harvests forward by several weeks, effectively compressing the so-called “hungry gap” — the traditional late spring period when winter crops have finished and summer produce is not yet ready. While the surge in early yields has brought short-term gains for some growers, it also highlights growing concerns around long-term climate unpredictability and the resilience of British horticulture.
Traditionally spanning from late March to May, the hungry gap is when UK-grown produce is in shortest supply. However, the unseasonably mild conditions of spring 2025 have led to crops such as strawberries, courgettes, and even early tomatoes becoming available far earlier than anticipated.
Similar patterns are being reported in asparagus production. Growers in regions such as the Vale of Evesham and Lincolnshire also saw crops mature earlier than forecast, creating a temporary glut in some wholesale markets.
In terms of operational impact, Farmers Weekly highlighted the situation at Leigh Court Farm near Bristol. Farm manager Chris Loughlin said, “When the season starts suddenly, it creates a cascade of scheduling challenges — from staffing to transport.”
Small-scale growers are also feeling the pressure. According to Bristol Veg Boxes, Fairy Hill Market Garden in Compton Dando faced a mismatch between harvest timing and customer demand. A representative said, “We had to start picking spinach and radishes weeks early, but our box scheme hadn’t yet opened for the season. The result is waste unless you have cold storage or ready buyers.”
While early harvests may be welcomed in the short term, growers are becoming increasingly concerned about long-term volatility. Mild springs, like this year’s, may bring early yields, but they follow periods of heavy winter rain and bring an elevated risk of late frosts.
