Some welcome weather

July has seen 45mm rainfall here during the first two weeks – not all at once and without hailstones, also. April , May and June totalled 55mm!

The full picture regarding the distribution of apples here is now clear. Half an acre of trees has a decent yield, the other twelve acres of apples have a good show of leaf with only an odd fruit here and there. Our south facing inclination has not helped us this time but some overgrown hedges and farm buildings have, in places. A re -run of last season with no apples available after November.

On a brighter note, our earwig population is gradually making an appearance, much later this year. In an attempt to encourage them to populate less mature trees some refuges constructed with two flower pots and a bunch of straw  tied within the tree against the trunk, approximately one metre above ground have been in situ for around six weeks. Dismantling one this week it was good to find an earwig and a ladybird inside.

Our deliveries,  of vegetables and what fruit we have available, all grown here, continue around Colchester.

Two eating establishments we supply have just reopened

Cradle C.I.C. North Street Sudbury, and

Nourish, 23, Crouch Street , Colchester.

There will be no apple picking jobs here this season.