April Update

With the obviously increased number of daylight hours, more occasional very early frosts and significantly warmer hours either side of noon, it is very easy to overlook just how little meaningful rainfall has occurred in this part of Essex since an ‘average’ January.

Ideally, we need a total of 50mm during two or three spaced ‘wet days’ in time for the full bloom of the apples (Cox usually 5th May here). As usual, the weather forecasts indicate the chance of rain for this eastern side and invariably a few light showers, or the results of very last gasp of a former rain bearing front, is dried by the breeze which quickly pushes it away. Any fruit tree, or bush, needs much moisture during the flowering and fruit setting period for a promising result.

An unstable atmosphere , by its nature reduces the chance of frosts occurring ,which shortly will be the main concern. The bud development all the fruit trees here is, at present, no earlier than average.

We have delayed the inside planting of the climbing French beans and tomatoes , reflecting the cold end to March and later.

Outdoor sowings are slowly showing with the warmer sun.

Recent visitors will have been disappointed to see that, at present, we have nothing to offer . Early June should see the beginnings of our new season here.

Our mailing list is always open to additions. To request information on how to receive a pack of apples from here , then please let us have contact details. Mailing will be during July.

In the meantime, starry nights are not welcome!