Writing at the autumn equinox, as the nights become longer than the days, seems appropriate timing as we also move into a new stage of covid related restrictions. There is a definite ‘end of term’ feel at the farm at this time of year.
Hidden away in a (sunny) corner of our farm is a well-guarded secret – until now. We have been working on a project with Belazu, purveyors of quality Mediterranean products, to create a little bit of the Mediterranean here in Essex.
Autumn has arrived, or at least it feels that way. The Swallows and Martins seem to be already gathering on the wires, it is getting dark earlier and there is a distinct nip to the air in the morning. The huge volumes of courgettes have been used and they are now going short in the markets and squash are ripening nicely with their beautiful oranges, golds and patterns.
Well it hasn’t started raining yet and today is set to be the hottest day of the year, albeit we have our fingers crossed the potential thunderstorms later don’t bring hail. Summer hail hit us earlier in the season and can wipe out crops in minutes, smashing leaves and allowing in infection and disease. As usual, our fingers are crossed, and we hope they miss us.
July brings mixed blessings! Our ripe apricots are a celebration of summer and eating the first blackberry of the year – although that in itself stirs thoughts of autumn and reminds us that the change of season will be here soon enough.
School holidays beckon yet we haven’t had a summer term, at least not a proper one! The heatwave has passed somewhat, yet we have only had the odd shower. Here on the Tending Peninsula, we are the driest part of the UK and we keep missing the rain. Good for barbecues, not so good for growing salad and vegetables. We have agreed to buy water from a neighbouring farmer’s reservoir to give us more water. The last time we did this it started raining the day after and didn’t stop until autumn so apologies if it starts raining next week!
It already feels like a long hot summer yet we are only at the beginning of June. April showers are long forgotten, but the vicious hail storm of early May isn’t. It wrought havoc on our crops, nearly destroying the spring onions and battering the greens. You may have noticed the ‘spotty’ onions in your boxes and the somewhat ragged leaf on the Greens. Fortunately both have now recovered and are looking good and back regularly in the boxes.
Arguably our favourite month on at Holt Farm, the April showers, increasing warmth and longer days combine to kick in and nature explodes as trees come into leaf, the wild flower meadows and pasture stretch up and, as the gardeners amongst you know, the weeds seem to appear from nowhere.
The creation, launch and expansion of www.holt-farm.co.uk has been incredibly rewarding as we get to deal directly with you, our customers. It is a refreshing change from dealing with larger businesses and being able to talk about how and why we farm with you.
As we develop the business we are taking on board your thoughts, comments – and criticisms! As well as supplying fruit & veg and our juices and spirits, we see our role allowing us to bring together other local producers to allow you to source a range of produce for your homes.
It’s been almost a month since we launched our new fruit & veg box delivery business, Holt Farm. We have been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from customers across the Colchester area and are now receiving hundreds of orders a week.
It’s been a steep learning curve for us. Transforming our business from farmers and growers supplying wholesale, to selling direct to the public.
It was our ambition from the start to run this business on a cost neutral basis to ensure local people could access fresh food and to keep our staff employed.
My family have been growing vegetables and a bit of fruit for the foodservice sector for over 70 years. Our core products have been destined, via wholesalers, for the kitchens of Chinese restaurants across the UK. The chances are if you have eaten in a Chinese restaurant in the UK, you will have enjoyed some of our vegetables. Alongside our fruit juice business Cotchel, and spirits brand Reliquum, we also have a smaller project trialling and growing niche products for some of the best restaurants in the UK.
