Melrow Nursery

Melrow Nursery – Tomatoes – 3.4 hectares

Originally built for the growing of flat lettuce in its superb quality soil, Melrow Nursery was acquired by Flavourfresh in the late 1990s. The site has undergone a complete transformation, with one of the tallest blocks of glass in the UK. Known as “Genesis” this block has been designed for the future, with LED lighting, energy-saving thermal roof screens, a full recirculation system for irrigation run off and a Combined Heat and Power Energy Centre (CHP).

Smaller than Aldergrove but with two large glasshouses, the Melrow Nursery is managed by Craig Dickinson. Their 20-strong team produce over 90 million tomatoes per year.

“My love of horticulture began from an early age when I used to help (or hinder) my Dad on his allotment in Birkdale. After studying horticulture at Reading University then working as Propagation Manager, I moved back to Southport as a supervisor and progressed to Site Manager at Aldergrove. Now advising the growing teams, I have been involved in energy purchasing, recording and sustainability and am a member of the Tomato Growers Association Technical Committee. Our team works around the clock and puts in such a big effort to produce the best tasting and quality tomato there is! Without their commitment and skill, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do”

Pest & Disease Consultant, David Barker