A Bittersweet End to Summer
Though summer is drawing to a close, we still have a few weeks of warm-weather crops. Tomatoes and aubergines’ growth is slowing down now that sunshine is scarce, and tomatoes and courgettes begin to swell and can start tasting watery without the sun’s sweetening rays. Your tomatoes in your vegboxes might start to get smaller as producers, like Organiclea, start harvesting them while they are smaller, to prioritise taste and sweetness rather than chasing weight.
Farmers Rejoice: The Rain Has Arrived
The shift to autumn has been stark! And with it, a huge sense of relief. The relentless task of irrigation is finally over. Instead of struggling to keep crops alive, farmers can now turn their focus to harvesting. At Shillingford Organics, the sudden rain meant a scramble to bring in the onions before the weather broke. Fortunately they were successful, and good thing too, since it’s been a brilliant year for onions, as the crop thrived in the dry summer.
Preparing for Winter and the Hungry Gap
Much of September’s work is about looking ahead. Polytunnels & greenhouses are being replanted with winter salads, which need to be sown now before growth slows with the shortening days. Meanwhile, apples, potatoes, pumpkins, and squash are being gathered in bulk to put into storage to last for the coming year.
Sarah Greens Organics has already started planting thousands of Spring Greens in preparation for the “Hungry Gap” in March–May, when outdoor fields are sparse.
Apple Juice and Conker Battles
It was great to see so many of you at our most recent event where we ushered in the beginning of autumn. Our apple press was the star of the show. Its wonderful to see the huge smiles and joy that people get from making their own juice. It’s a great example of how working and creating together is one of the greatest pleasures.
If you’re interested in something similar, consider helping pack vegboxes at The Thanet Community Centre in Camden on a Wednesday. Email finance@vegbox.org.uk
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