Today marks the start of British Tomato Fortnight. Running from 2 June to 15 June, these two weeks are dedicated to celebrating one of the nation’s favourite fruits (yes, tomatoes are a fruit!) and the incredible growers who produce them right here in the UK.
British tomato season traditionally runs from March through November, but thanks to recent innovations, some growers now deliver delicious, homegrown tomatoes all year round. With pressures such as labour shortages, supply chain delays, and rising energy costs, supporting British growers has never been more important.
The easiest way to support the industry is to look for British tomatoes in your local supermarket. Choosing local produce helps sustain UK farming, reduces your carbon footprint, and keeps your meals tasting fresher.
Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and flavour, British tomatoes are great for your health, supporting immunity, protecting the heart, and even helping to guard against certain cancers.
If British Tomato Fortnight inspires you to learn more about horticulture, here at Hadlow College we offer a range of specialist Horticulturecourses. Students gain skills in plant science, sustainable growing, and crop production, preparing for careers in everything from food production to garden design.
A key part of our teaching is the Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College, the UK’s first Centre of Excellence in greenhouse growing. In our cutting-edge Venlo glasshouse, students grow hydroponic tomatoes using the same industry-standard practices as leading commercial producers.
They learn everything from biological pest control to operating advanced PRIVA environmental control systems, gaining hands-on experience alongside experts from Thanet Earth.
If you are interested in finding out more visit the Horticulture subject page of the Hadlow College website.