February 2026 update

Dear field supporter,

We need to celebrate a sunny day at long last! The middle of February. Thank goodness for the longer days. We start with 8 hours 40 minutes at the beginning of the month and have 10 hours 30 mins by the end. These longer daylight hours are crucial for emerging seeds .It is not just a matter of warmth we notice.

Despite or maybe because of the appalling rain in January, we still achieved a lot. Indoors we focussed on oiling wooden tool shafts and sharpening hoes, spades, sickles ..anything! We tidied and rationalised tools etc Outdoors we have some valuable covered space storing row markers, pegs, labels etc It's a bit of a struggle to keep these under control. If you have any spare plastic or wooden boxes which you think might help with achieving better storage, we'd be grateful if you'd bring them along to the field for our use.

We hope you have enjoyed the fresh leeks, Brussels sprouts etc from the field gate. We still have a wonderful supply of leeks to offer. They are on the stall on Saturdays.

So far only the autumn fruiting raspberries have been pruned. That means that the soft fruit and apples still await our attention.

We are having a long wait for our seed and potting compost delivery. The wet weather is affecting suppliers too. In the small Polytunnel, we layer these up over our own compost mix in large boxes as mini seed beds for the leeks, brassica, broad beans and eventually courgettes and squash. We want to get started! Anyone who has brought on their own seeds will understand the accuracy of the term "nursery" for this time of nurturing through the growing process.

At the end of this month, a tree surgeon is taking down a diseased ash tree which is near the road and car parking area. It is just too dangerous to leave it to fall naturally. We will have to cordon off the parking on that Saturday.

Please keep an eye out for this year's membership forms. We do appreciate your backing. The fee is just the same and, along with gift aid, makes a huge contribution to our income. The form will also be on our website soon.

We hope you can get out into some sun after the endurance test of these past weeks!

Linda Simpson