Fruit, vegetable and flower crops have been unsurprisingly affected this year by the longest winter and the coldest March in the UK since 1962: in fact so delayed were Spring blooms that retailer John Lewis was reported to be stocking artificial daffodils for the first time.
However, specialist hire company Andrews Sykes, suggests that some farmers are benefiting from hiring heaters to maintain optimum conditions for growth and reduce the impact of the anticipated late harvest.
Commonly used in strawberry and soft fruit farming, polytunnels have greatly increased the productivity of the industry over the last 20 years. Where these controlled environments exist, the use of portable heaters allows the farmer to extend the time that crops are grown in optimum conditions, as well as reduce the amount of pesticides used - ultimately producing a greater yield.
The same model can be applied to almost any fruit, vegetable and vine crops, all being highly sensitive to temperature. In particular, in the UK at the moment, whilst daytime temperatures have begun to rise, nights are still cold and the odd frost is impacting growth rates.
Carl Webb, Specialist Hire Director, Andrews Sykes Group said: “We usually find that heaters are installed towards the end of the season when temperatures naturally drop, allowing the growing season to be extended. However, this year’s unusual conditions means that some pragmatic farmers are taking steps to future-proof their crops now. Industrial heaters deliver clean, dry and warm air into protected coverings and can make a significant difference to profits.”
