Crop Growth
This has been very pleasing, chard and spinach are developing very well, calabrese and broccoli are being eaten as dish of the day by the rabbits, however we have replaced as much as possible. Rhubarb is developing and it grows in the dark, so with the snow cover we are expecting some good healthy rhubarb.Garlic was growing shoots after just a few weeks however with the freezing it has pushed much of the garlic out of the ground, we only planted a quarter of the garlic so far though.
Rabbits!
These are our main problem.With the high winds of October and November blowing the cloches off, the rabbits had a good go at much of the brassica plots. They are also interested in a specific variety of strawberry which is unusual, however the albion will grow and be strong. We have increased the rabbit fencing and we will be putting out traps and looking for them at shoots, there is a price on Bugs Bunny now! The problem sounds worse than it is as 80% of produce is still there and growing.
Crows!
Another pest.
We planted broad beans and the crows have pecked at them already, dug them up and eaten them.
We will try other forms of controlling them, however, watching James’ shooting skills the other day, I think the moon is in more danger!
Overall:
I would like to point out that this is a very honest account of what is going on at the Promised Land.
We have only planted a quarter of everything so far, with the exception of the perennials, and with our pest control improving and the good growth of the produce, we are confident of producing some tasty, locally grown food for you.
Feedback would be welcome, so I know what you would like to hear in the updates, what ideas you may have and any questions. At the end of the day, in the summer we are hoping that this brings a good community spirit and with your help and feedback, we can keep improving.
Please follow the links on the website for Katie or James’ email address.