Hadlow College Students Achieve Significant Tomato Yield Using Advanced Farming Techniques

Students at Hadlow College in Kent have successfully cultivated and harvested more than two tonnes of tomatoes within a span of several months, employing cutting-edge technology. Their work commenced in June, utilizing a greenhouse equipped with LED lighting, a tiered growing system, and entirely soil-free methods. Of the produce cultivated at The Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence, one tonne has already been distributed to food charities, providing the equivalent of 2,250 meals. Alan Harvey, who serves as the college’s head of curriculum for horticulture & floristry, stated: “You need good soil to grow other crops in the UK but you can grow crops in a car park using this technology.” He further elaborated: “This is a really hi-tech greenhouse where we’ve got computers monitoring everything, all of these lights which promote the growth… in theory we can grow here 365 days a year.” This innovative hydroponic system was inaugurated during the summer, established through a collaboration with Thanet Earth, a greenhouse and indoor growing facility that supplies UK supermarkets, and the food and drink innovation initiative Growing Kent & Medway. Hugo Plimmer, a horticulture student at Hadlow College, commented: “With climate change it’s all changing but we’re up to date with everything here at Hadlow.” He added: “For the workplace this is the way things are going so it’s so important to know how to use the technology.” Designed with sustainability in mind, the greenhouse incorporates a system where water draining from the plants is collected, then purified using UV light in tanks, prior to its recirculation and reuse. Production has been paused by the college students for the Christmas break; however, their subsequent crop is anticipated in January. The college projects this next yield will thrive again, unhindered by adverse winter weather.