Retailers could be faced with a shortage of British-grown brassicas in the autumn and winter as the dry weather affects growing conditions, producers have warned.

The main planting season for brassica crops, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, is now under way. However, the recent dry and hot weather is threatening this year's crops as dry conditions can stunt their growth and broccoli plants risk closing up.

"We could see significant potential falls in production during the period of September through to early November," warned Philip Effingham of the Brassica Growers’ Association. This is on top the fact that warmer weather means customers are choosing salads over brassicas.

On the up side, it’s not only lettuce that’s doing well. One producer in Kent is looking forward to the first commercial crop of English-grown kiwis. Worldwide Fruit planted two varieties, Hayward and Harding in May and hopes to harvest the first cop in October 2012, with fruit appearing in shops the following month. If the project succeeds, there are plans to plant red and gold flesh varieties.

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