Despite the cold spring and late frosts we are making progress with raising plants and preparing the beds for planting. The tomatoes have been planted in the poly tunnel and the potatoes pushing through the surface of the soil. Calabrese have been planted out and Beetroot sown directly - although they are struggling a little. Harvesting leeks has begun, and the last of the chard and perpetual spinach cut, with luck by mid May we should have a few broad beans ready.
Rain or lack of it has been the biggest challenge as since the end of February we have only had 1 inch and the clay soils have really dried out. Watering on a regular basis has been essential. It has once again highlighted the poor soil structure at Hammonds End and the need to improve it through Green manures and compost.
We have also been taking part in the "Food Futuring " project, which with a collective group interested in food security and local sourcing has been trying to predict what local food should look like in the future.
You can review the ideas and comment by participating in a survey which is online - the more input the better https://foodfuturing.fillout.com/t/bGJV8jxRTqus
Finally a date for your diary 'From Soil to Supper: Challenge, Passion and Restaurant
Reality'
Revealing the realities of running modern restaurants
alongside inspiring local solutions.
Andrei Lussmann shares insights from 24
years of serving sustainable, affordable food through rising costs and
competition & Food Smiles highlight how their initiatives connect
communities through food grown locally. This event is organised by Harpenden Society on Thursday 11th June
· 7.30pm
start - AGM (brief - 15-20 minutes)
· 7.50/8pm
- Andrei Lussmann (30 minute talk and 15
minute Q&A)
· 9pm
- Allison Wren from FoodSmiles (15-20 minutes and 10 minute Q&A)
· Finish
9.45pm
The booking link for tickets is: https://www.ticketsource.com/harpenden-society
Finally we are on the plot every Wednesday afternoon - please come along
