News

2006 has once again been both exciting and challenging. Long periods of hot, dry weather followed by heavy rain has made it difficult to grow some varieties. Our climbing french beans in the polytunnel grew quickly and strong, but the continuous heat meant that they soon became stringy. Fortunately, the runner beans were early and the outdoor french beans became available to take over. And the available space in the polytunnel meant that we were able to plant oriental vegetables such as mizuna, pak choi, tatsoi, rocket and giant red mustard.

We were also able to grow some early carrots, kohl rabi, beetroot and chard. And a new variety of courgette which is self-fertile meant we were able to start selling even before the bees were around to pollinate.

Cucumbers and courgettes have done well this year, and the sweetcorn - that likes the sunshine - has thrived. This time we have grown more peppers and Jalapenos and,along with the tomatoes,they seem to have benefitted from the weather,with all varieties from cherry, to Martina to Beefsteak as well as yellow,all cropping well.The outdoor lettuce came well, and were very tasty - at least the rabbits seemed to think so, and they helped themselves when our backs were turned.

The early potatoes cooked beautifully when first lifted, but following heavy rain they began to pulp, and it was necessary to move onto our second early variety which thankfully boils well, but can also be used for mash or roasters. Within the next couple of weeks we will be lifting all the potatoes to put them in store. We will then have Cosmos for bakers (multi-purpose) and Milva and Raja (red) for boiling.

The cabbages (green, savoy and red, brocolli and cauliflowers are coming on well, and we have started to pull the leeks. Parsnips are now ready and the carrots taste superb. The brussel sprouts are growing and we should have some ready for Christmas, along with swedes which we tend to leave until they have had a frost to improve the flavour. Celeriac and purple-sprouting brocolli will soon be ready.

Also this year we have increased the number of squash we have grown, as the Butternut and Uchiki Kuri proved very popular last year.

Finally, we have started to do local deliveries for those unable to get to us at the farmers' markets.Initially it will be our own seasonal organic veg but later on we hope to offer other produce, sourced locally to ensure quality and reduce food miles.This may well be organic fruit, fruit juice, mushrooms, jams and chutneys. We deliver in Abergavenny on a Friday evening and hope to extend this to Cardiff in the near future.

We look forward to seeing you at the farmers markets and hope we can answer any questions you may have about the way our produce is grown. Speak to you soon.