Eastern England growing season extends to 244 days

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A study has found that the growing season in eastern England has extended by around 22 days.

The analysis - carried out using Met Office HadUK-Grid data - shows an increase from around 222 days in the 1980s to 244 days now.

The longer season does not necessarily translate into better growing conditions, according to experts.

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A Harrowden turf field at Feltwell Farm, near Thetford, before this year's drought (Image: Harrowden)

The study was carried out by environmental data scientist Dr Tim Farewell of MapleSky and provided to Harrowden, the UK's largest turf grower and distributor.

These include hotter summers, reduced spring and summer rainfall, increased soil-moisture deficits, and wetter winters.

Such conditions result in a longer theoretical season but create more unpredictable and volatile periods for successful crop growth.

Harrowden says 2026 has been particularly challenging.

A graph showing the soil moisture deficit in 2025 and 2026 modelled by Dr Tim Farewell of MapleSky (Image: Harrowden)

Even with advanced technology like precision irrigation, soil-moisture monitoring, and GPS, the lack of water remains a significant issue.

For years, growers have adapted to changing costs and market conditions through investments in technology and improved methods.

A Harrowden turf field at Feltwell Farm, near Thetford, after this year's drought (Image: Harrowden)

However, the changing growing environment presents a new challenge.

This raises broader questions about climate adaptation in UK agriculture, as decades of productivity gains are now meeting an increasingly unpredictable operating environment.

A photo of one of Harrowden's turf field sites at Feltwell Farm, near Thetford, shows the extent of the problem.

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