The Woodlands Farm Chronicle

Market Garden News
Soils are wet while cold weather stifles vestiges of new growth. This week we’ve abandoned ideas of outdoor planting in favour of polytunnel work. Simon’s drilled radish, turnips and broad beans, a fourth house has been put to new potatoes (variety Swift). These crops have been watered in and should grow away fast.

Despite the cold, rhubarb shoots are emerging, pink the colour of Brighton Rock. I doubt we’ll be able to plant  new crowns this year. It’s been impossible to lay down the pre-requisite mypex mulch without which rhubarb on these soils is quickly overwhelmed. By weeds!

The team is tidying the strawberries (removing last year’s leaves) while nearby daffodil shoots prick up,   asphodel-yellow buds glimmering through the stems. Nearly spring…

Biodynamic pilot project update
Cavelo nero and kale on our biodynamic land is looking stunted now with new growth limited by frost. The spring greens further along are in better heart, the challenge being to somehow deflect the pigeons (Mark’s trying all manner of ingenious methods). There are still some cauliflowers left to harvest. We just need warmth to bring them on.

BEEF, LAMB, TURKEY
Individual cuts of meat and oven ready birds are available to order on-line with your box or by phoning
Rachel on 01205 724778.

PORK
Fresh Pork will be available the week starting Monday 22nd March. Please order asap by phoning Rachel. It goes very quickly!

Warm wishes, Andrew Dennis
01205 724778
www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk