This week some of the first crops that I planted at Greenslate have become ready to harvest. I have been experimenting with salad mixes so that we can put together a special Greenslate salad mix to sell in the shop and use in the cafe.
The mix here contains Rocket, Mizuna, Red Russian Kale and Spinach. When ready, we will also be adding lettuce to the mix.
A few people I have spoken to said that they were not too keen on Mizuna, but after tasting it, seemed to like it. I would be very interested if any readers have any preferences.
These leaves where rinsed in cold water quite soon after they were harvested and then sealed in plastic bags. I am pleased to say that I have just had some for my lunch three days after harvesting and they taste as fresh as when I harvested them on Wedenesday morning.
Potato Planting
Now the land has dried out a bit we have had chance to work up some ground and plant some potatoes. We are using Maris Bard as our first earlies because of their blight resistance, planted in furrows made by the Wolfgarten furrowing attachment. The rope is used as a guide for straight lines and pelleted chicken manure should keep the plants well fed as they grow.
I don’t like to ridge up the potatoes too much at this early stage so we can progressively do it as the crop grows. This means we can pull the soil up and use it as part of our weed control.
Main Crop Onions
Our maincrop onions are being grown from sets; two varieties, Jet Set and Sturon. I have always grown Sturon and have been very happy with them but this year I am trying Jet Set as it should mature a little earlier and give us a longer spread of harvesting.
We are planting in three rows along our 30 inch wide beds spaced at around 8 inches.
Asparagus
Anyone who has talked veg and growing with Roger will know his passion for getting a crop of Asparagus growing on the farm. He planted some crowns on the field last year which are just starting to emerge. It will be next season before a full harvest can be made, but the picture below illustrates the potential of the crop.
To build on this for the future we have grown some more Asparagus from seed. Tiny at the moment, looking like a miniature forest, it will be another two years before these will be rolling around your plate in melted butter.
Watering Rota
This weekend is giving us a taste of what is to come this summer and the rising temperatures mean that watering our young seedlings is becoming a more time consuming and critical mission. As a part timer on the farm, I cannot be there every day to ensure that things are watered and the greenhouses are opened for ventilation. So, I am looking to put together a watering rota and hope that you can help us out.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are fine (unless I have a day off).
Could you help and become part of a watering rota? Please drop me an email at greenslategrower@gmail.com or give me a call on 07803 925446 if you would like to get involved.
Neil