Our Core Product
Grown on over 1,000 hectares of distinctive black organic soil. We have been growing turf for over 60 years and ours is among the best in the UK. As a result we believe we enjoy a solid reputation for producing quality turf at sensible prices.
Across five locations Harrowden produces and sells a variety of turf; Premium, Meadowmat wildflower turf and Species Rich – for sale all over the UK. By controlling every aspect of turf production from the time the seed goes into the ground, through the care and maintenance of the growing crop, to the time it is delivered we believe we enjoy a number of advantages over others in the industry.
Our farms can irrigate during dry spells and supply can be switched between farms if severe weather threatens. As one of the largest turf producers in Europe we can negotiate great prices and demand the highest quality seed, equipment and haulage, passing the benefits on to our customers.
Better Tech Means Better Turf
But turf harvesting in the UK has now gone to the next level as Harrowden has brought in the latest technology from FireFly Automatix —their first machine in England.
The FireFly Automatix R300 Automated Roll Harvester is believed to be the most refined Automated Roll Harvester ever built. It offers precise, smooth, quiet and efficient operation and can deliver perfect pallets every time.
Night Harvesting
Harrowden has continued to innovate by adopting night harvesting during the summer months – meaning the turf is harvested earlier, in the cool of the night; loaded earlier and delivered sooner.
It is generally accepted that turf should be laid as soon as it is delivered. In the summer this is even more important as turf left on the pallet will build heat and suffer accordingly.
Harrowden has looked at several ways to mitigate the effects of “sod-heating” and has run several experiments in recent years but the adoption of night harvesting has been a game-changer for teams and customers.
In 2024 we switched to night harvesting for a period of nearly ten weeks starting at 10pm in the evening and going on until the early hours.
It means significant change for our harvesting teams and it does take some getting used to.
As ever it is the team which has made it happen.
The results speak for themselves. During the period of night harvest, our turf is typically delivered within 6 hours of harvest, ensuring the freshest product for our customers.
Its not an easy change to make but it pays dividends for customers.
Having adopted the latest turf harvesting technology from the United States we have continued to innovate; developing cutting-edge turf, wildflower turf and seed varieties to address the changing climate conditions, the move to greener alternatives and the constant pace of consumer demand.
Our customers say it best..
“Top quality turf, very green and cut well. My landscaper is going to recommend it to all his customers. Delivery was prompt, and the driver was very helpful”
G. Woods 2023
No other turf company has the broad geographic spread of production centres with our unrivalled regional knowledge. Having our production sites closer to our customers means we are well placed to service customers sustainably across the UK.
If you want to talk over your plans or discuss a bespoke seed mix or turf application please get in touch.
