Growers are producing 260 percent more cucumbers per square metre than 60 years ago
By Ken Crowther
August 22, 2025
In the 1960s, a grower of cucumbers would achieve 50 sticks per square metre, growing on straw or earth and is now achieving 180 sticks per square metre using hydroponic methods. This demonstrates how commercial horticulture in the UK has increased food production to feed the British population.
The Lea Valley area is made up of some 450 acres of glasshouses and is near London, on the Essex and Hertfordshire border, – straddling the River Lea.
From here 80 million cucumbers are grown every year – three-quarters of the UK crop – as well as 100 million sweet peppers, 25 million aubergines and thousands of tonnes of vine tomatoes.
About 70 growers are part of the association, with several of those based within Greater London.
Lee Stiles is the Secretary of the Lea Valley Growers Association and he gives an insight into growing fresh vegetables for the British supermarkets.
Imports
Lee Stiles says that glasshouse acreages in the UK are declining and we’re seeing an increase in imports. Around 25 percent of vegetables imported into Britain come from Spain, with lettuce imports reaching as high as 80 percent.
Morocco is the number 1 tomato exporter to the UK, but the British glasshouse grown vegetable sector is worth around £1.1 billion still.
For more information on the Lea Valley Growers Association click here.
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