The ‘hungry gap’ is a term that carries a lot of weight in the world of British farming and seasonal eating. It refers to that challenging stretch of time, typically from March to May, when the UK experiences a natural lull in homegrown produce. Understanding why this gap happens, how it affects the land and our food supply, and how we navigate it with care and creativity can help us appreciate the rhythm of our food system.

The hungry gap occurs due to a combination of seasonal and ecological factors. Throughout winter, farmers are harvesting the last of their cold-weather crops — think hardy brassicas like kale, cabbage, and sprouts — which thrive in the cooler, darker months. By late February and early March, those stores begin to run low or come to an end entirely. At the same time, the soil is often still cold and waterlogged from months of rain, meaning new crops struggle to take root or grow with any vigor. Despite the lengthening days, the temperatures are still too low for most plants to thrive, and sowing opportunities are limited. This creates a natural bottleneck, where last season's crops are finishing, but the new season’s produce isn’t yet ready for harvest.

The effects on the land are profound. In the UK, farmers are keenly aware of the need to protect their soils during the winter and early spring months. Wet weather and cold conditions can lead to compacted, nutrient-depleted soils, and overworking the land during this vulnerable period can cause long-term damage. Many growers practice crop rotation, cover cropping, and soil regeneration techniques to ensure the soil can recover and be ready for planting when the conditions improve. The hungry gap is as much about ecological care as it is about food availability.

For our veg bags, this period presents a unique challenge. Without careful planning, it would be all too easy to fall into a repetitive cycle of leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables week after week. While we love these staples, variety is what makes seasonal eating exciting and nourishing. That’s why, during the hungry gap, we thoughtfully source a portion of our produce from further afield, mainly from Europe, where the warmer climates mean crops are already flourishing. By working with trusted organic growers across the Channel, we can bridge the gap without compromising on quality or sustainability.

Embracing this seasonal shift is important to us. We see it not as a problem to solve but as a natural rhythm to respect and work alongside. Sourcing from Europe during these lean months allows us to support both our local farmers, who need time to prepare for the busy growing season ahead, and our customers, who still want vibrant, fresh veg in their bags. It’s a delicate balance, but one we are proud to strike — ensuring that even during the UK’s quietest growing months, we can still celebrate the diversity and abundance of the land, near and far.

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