October arrives with a breath of cool air across the fields. The mornings are slower now and the mist lingers, if we’re lucky the low sun casts golden light over rows of green. This is a month of change on the farm; the pace softens but the work deepens.
Notes from the field
The French beans are now over and the last ripe tomatoes cling to the vines - a cue to save some seed before the unripe fruits are picked for chutney and their vines added to the compost. October is a great time to get ahead and make early sowings of vegetables, such as peas, hardy broad beans and garlic. We’ve almost finished the indoor planting with lots of spicy salad leaves in the ground. Our kales are a highlight and the leeks and celeriac are almost ready, with the sprouts, cabbages and purple sprouting broccoli looking stronger each day. It’s looking like we’ll also have plenty of chard and spinach to see us through the winter months!
We’re ticking off some big jobs - we re-skinned one of our polytunnels and we’re now waiting for a couple of calm weather days so we can finish re-skinning another two before winter sets in. We’ve started putting the squash into pallets to store as it’s been a bumper year and as we shift into autumn, it’s a lovely time to reflect on our summer successes. The tomatoes were incredible this year. We grew them from seed, allowed extra planting space and organic tomato feed. Maybe these factors contributed to their success, maybe it was just a ‘better’ year. With so many variables in growing vegetables, we’re always learning, adapting and we’re forever optimistic. Although we’re sad to see the summer crops fade, yesterday’s plants are now making way for tomorrow’s treats!
Farm Events
Artwave, open day & film night
Not content with just one event we held three one weekend in September, where we welcomed back Artwave, alongside hosting our open day and a wonderful film and food night. After a day of exhibitions and activities, as well as a show-stopping pop-up veg stall, long tables were laid and adorned with our own grown flowers. Our pizza oven was lit and Danielle from Fermento got to work on his extraordinary sour-dough, wood-fired pizzas, made from the heritage flour hand milled at his bakery in Piltdown (available in our Essentials range). An array of beautiful salads by Field Food, picked from the farm that day, were also served and the farm was buzzing with warm voices and music as the sun set.
Despite a few threatening drops, the rain held off and a screening by Filmspot of The Truffle Hunters followed. It’s an utterly beautiful film, the big screen in the glass house looked fantastic and the atmosphere was magical. It’s not often you can watch a man bathing with his dog surrounded by organic zinnias and aubergines! We’re hoping to hold more of these events once the weather warms up again so watch this space for more details or check the events page on the website.
With huge thanks to everyone who came along, as well as to our friends at Filmspot, Fermento and Field Food who all made it possible.
Squash & cavolo nero with hazelnuts & brown butter
Staying with our film night, our recipe of the month is inspired by the amazing dish Field Food made for us that evening and so many of us cooed over. Head over to our recipe page and make it for yourselves - it's the perfect sharing dish for Autumn and really celebrates our squash and cavolo nero.
Squash & free Bold Bean Co Offer!
We’re partnering with the mighty Bold Bean Co and offering 2 brilliant giveaways for Autumn. Select one of our three squashes and you’ll receive a FREE jar of their organic white beans. If one's not enough for you then we’re also offering a special price for a box of all 5 squash varieties, plus 2 free jars of Bold Bean’s organic white beans! Whole squash will store well for months in a cupboard or garage and they also look lovely as autumn decor on a hearth, doorstep or table. Just add one to your order from our Seasonal Highlights and follow the Bold Bean Co recipe on our website for a delicious squash beanotto.
Squash Box
Buttercup Squash
Crown Prince Squash Piece
Delicata Squash
Kabocha Squash
Uchiki Kuri Squash
£15.00
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We've a lot to look forward to throughout the autumn so light a candle, grab a cosy blanket and begin to welcome the darker months in.
We'll be out in the fields, bringing you everything this time of abundance can deliver, so settle down to a warming bowl of comfort and goodness and ease yourselves into the season.
Thanks for supporting your local organic farm. Happy Autumn!
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