Finn, the seasonal trainee grower at the Plot, provides a behind-the-scenes account of life at the Plot during September and reflects on his first season in the role.
We’ve been transferring over to winter crops because we have entered into Autumn now. We’re starting to think about what will be ready come spring next year, and what we can still get out of the land.
Recently, we’ve been putting down the fleece to cover some crops and that’s basically the woolly jumpers for the plants that are vulnerable. We do this to keep the temperature above freezing so the plants don’t wilt and die. Hopefully, this means that a lot of the crops will be OK during the harsher weather.
Despite the hard season, the kale has come into its own now, and it will continue to until next year, so that’s something that’s gone well. This month the radishes were quite picky, it’s been very wet, and we’ve had a lot of variable weather, which hasn’t been good for the kohlrabi either, it’s been splitting apart. We’ve had that to contend with, but the onions have been great. We’ve ended up with around 60 kilos in total.
As I mentioned, we’ve been planting some winter crops. We’ve planted pak choi, lettuce, leeks, mustards, mooli, and Chinese cabbage because they don’t mind the cold temperatures. This year’s the first year we’ve planted Chinese cabbage. There are still tomatoes in the polytunnel, but I think they’ll be coming out soon and more lettuce will be going in, just to make sure we can continue to have lettuce throughout winter. We have been collecting and drying beans to go in the veg boxes and hopefully save seeds for next year. Broad beans are quite hardy, I think they could grow well during winter.
I’m still learning a lot in my role as this is my first year employed as a grower after the FarmStart programme. I’m not fully confident that I have all the knowledge yet but there’s always more to learn and that will come with time. Hopefully, by next year I feel even more comfortable in my role. Now I’m working here, it’s a lot different from last year. I’ve got to manage my time more and there’s the pressure to meet the requirements for the veg boxes every week, but it’s been a good learning experience.
In the next few weeks, the crop sharers can expect to see some spring onions, herbs, winter squash, runner beans, and leeks (at some point)!
You can support the Plot by signing up as a FoodFriend and donating £5 monthly. By doing so, you will also be entered into a draw for 6 monthly prizes.
Or, if you wish to volunteer and give your time to help at the Plot, please contact ellen@lessuk.org.
Additionally, you can buy some delicious local produce through Gather North Lancs Food Hub, where organic fruit, vegetables, and herbs from the Plot are sold.
