Hetty, Sustainable Landscapes Manager, emphasises the importance of tending to the soil before Spring really kicks in. “Now is the time to feed the soil with mulch and/or good compost,” We employ the no-dig method, placing a 5cm layer on top of the beds and allowing the resident worms to do the essential work. This method not only protects the soil and its microbial life but also ensures the retention of vital nutrients for the plants later in the year.
The team starts sowing from Valentine’s Day, planting tomatoes, garlic, onion sets, and broad beans, and from March onwards, the Grown team will be in full swing, sowing brassicas, salads and then courgettes, beans, peas, potatoes and everything else as the soil warms up.
It’s such an exciting time of year – there’s nothing more energising than seeing small seeds sprout their first shoots of life and the anticipation of the harvest in the months to come.
Embracing the Hungry Gap
As winter fades away and the warmth of spring beckons, the challenge of the “hungry gap” emerges in the world of fresh local produce. Hetty explains that:
“From January through May, there’s a noticeable scarcity of vegetables, but at Grown, we see this as an opportunity to get creative with our bags and introduce a burst of freshness into your meals.”
Grown’s polytunnels play a pivotal role in overcoming this seasonal scarcity, allowing them to cultivate a diverse range of interesting winter salads and Asian greens tailored for delicious stir-fries.
“You’ll get broad bean tops and radishes, as well as bunches of refreshing mint offering a versatile herb that can either elevate the flavour of a meal or infused to make lovely teas.”
Investing in a Grown bag means sharing the harvest and eating with the seasons, offering genuine health benefits. The fantastic array of greens and herbs in a bag during the spring is not only delicious but also nutritionally rich, perfect for giving us energy in the colder months and after the indulgent feasting of mid-winter.
Grown offers sustainable, community-oriented agriculture, where we champion locally grown produce, sustainable horticultural practices and a shared joy of growing with the land.
Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and opportunities to get involved with GROWN.