April Update

A long spell of useful weather has resulted in a trail of chopped up prunings along the tree rows. which are now showing as a pale green haze as the buds break. Our land is still wet lower down and the drains under the dampest patches still run, albeit with less force now. Plums in particular are romping away and blossom is opening. Early April promises some good temperatures so the bees are in for a productive time. There is a fair area of oilseed rape all around except the north side of the orchard. To our advantage it is flowering early so by late April the apple blossom will provide a ‘new’ focus for the hive bees.

Bumble bees are moving now and March has suited ladybirds in high numbers until the cold later in the month. Blue Tits and their tit relations are all foraging amongst the opening buds for feeding their nestfuls. Not so welcome, the recent sighting of an unperturbed fallow stag. An adolescent with its antlers just poking up.

Two local beekeepers house their hives at opposite ends of Crapes. One runs a beekeeping course for local enthusiasts, who will soon be arriving every Thursday evening to adorn themselves in protective anti bee suits before delving amongst the occupants, checking on the queens in each hive.

The Dutch Light Glass House will occupy us well during April, beginning with the planting of the climbing French Beans. This year there will be both flat (Hunter) and round (Cobra) , All being well about ten weeks to the first pick. Later in April, Vanessa and Sungold tomatoes will be planted. We remember well last year at this time, the chill and dullness for weeks. We must be positive but prepared!

The vegetable area is in better heart, with the benefit of ancient (2-3 year old ) apple prunings ground up and mixed with any compostable material here not to mention the green fingers of Ben Lambert (well, they are usually rather grubby!).

Apple juice is still being produced and we shall have enough to keep a supply available until apples arrive again.

At the moment, we are just supplying locally, but it is hoped to be able to include it in a pack when the Apples By Post starts up again in August. Most blends are on the sweet side but some of you have asked for a slightly sharper taste. Batch 6 has more tanginess to it without being sharp.

So now, a long month ahead during which the weather may well have considerable influence on our next fruit crop. To our advantage is the fact that the soil around the tree roots is wet and cold and will take a long time to warm up and regardless of a few ‘warmer than average days’ now on top, below, root activity will control the overall rate of liveliness within the plant whether it be an apple tree or an onion set.

Please note that we have no more apples left to send out in packs.