Spring is in full swing, greetings from our first April update. The first field planting has begun, marking an exciting time on the farm. Our tractors have been busy, and we’ve already planted Black Magic kale, our brand-new Seaweed kale (which we’re especially excited about), and some beautiful collards. Today, we’re adding the first field lettuces, cabbages, and kohlrabi to the mix - it's an incredible feeling to be back out in the fields after the winter months.
Weather worries & irrigation plans
While the sunny days have been a joy, the conditions are becoming alarmingly dry - bringing back memories of the 2019 drought. As much as we’re enjoying the warmth, our focus now shifts to irrigation. It’s a massive project, but we’re pushing ahead to ensure our crops get the water they need.
Flourish Produce Boxes...to your front doors!
Some of you might have seen the BIG NEWS today on social media that we are re-launching our Produce Boxes this Spring. We are thrilled to announce that we will be offering home delivery to certain postcodes in the Cambridgeshire and London area (as well as collection from pick up locations and our Farm Shop). You'll also be able to swap out items and choose add-ons to go into your box like local honey, eggs, flour, sweet treats and more! Pre-orders will be announced very soon...watch this space.
Asparagus season is here!
One of the biggest highlights this week is the arrival of fresh English asparagus, grown by our friend Michael. Crop of the week and a true harbinger of spring, this asparagus offers a subtly sweet, grassy flavor with hints of fresh peas. It’s crisp and delicious raw, while cooking deepens its earthy notes. If you haven’t yet, now’s the time to enjoy this seasonal delight!
Pest control
The hedgerows are bursting with gorgeous nettles - nutrient-dense and delicious, they complement the vegetables we’re growing beautifully. While foraging, we also spotted our first ladybird of the season, which is fantastic news! Ladybirds and their larvae are invaluable allies in controlling aphids, one of our persistent pests in the tunnels. Seeing them return is a sure sign of nature working in harmony with the farm.
Courgettes & propagation marathon
Our courgettes are growing rapidly, and we’re gearing up to plant them out this week. We can’t wait to harvest them in a few weeks! Of course, the first batch always attracts a host of hungry slugs. Thankfully, the dry conditions may give us a better chance of fending them off compared to last year.
Meanwhile, our propagation house is absolutely packed as we tackle a huge potting-up marathon. With thousands of peppers, chillies, and aubergines needing attention, it’s all hands on deck to get them settled in time. Make sure you've saved the date for our HUGE plant sale on 26 April - we will have a live folk band, Steak and Honour will be serving up their delicious burgers and if that wasn't enough we will have a bar set up in the courtyard serving wines, beers and soft drinks. It's going to be a great day...come and get all your plants ready for the season ahead and recreate a bit of Flourish magic at home!
