July, 2008.

What a change in the weather - from drought, to that of rain, wind and cold all adversely affecting growing conditions.

In the tunnel the tomatoes are just ripening.  They need more sunshine.  The cucumbers and courgettes are producing daily.  

The basil has been well picked over and French beans are nearly finished.

Outside, there are more courgettes, lots of peas and mange tout.  The early potatoes are all dug.  Main crop potatoes, Golden Wonder and Pink Fir Apples are in full flower.

Salads are in constant use.  Bulb fennel is popular and the harvesting of celery has just started.   The red onions are all used.  

Shallots and garlic are all lifted.  Spinach and chard are used weekly.  The broad beans are a great favourite but the crop is not up to expectations this year.

There has been a wonderful crop of raspberries and loganberries and they are ongoing…  the freezers are full!   We’ve had the best crop of red currants, so far and they have all been picked.

The apples look well, though there was a heavy June drop, nature’s natural way of thinning.  Fewer pears this year as the pear tree was heavily pruned but the new growth augers well for next year.

The raised herb area is now complete, with paving and seating.  The mixed planting of herbs, various thymes, sages, rosemary and camomile, give aromatic aromas for the guests as they sip their pre-dinner drinks

 

 

Dennis
21.07.’08