NOTES FROM THE GARDEN – JUNE
There is no denying that the weather has blown hot and cold this spring (and every permutation in between)! As we beckon in the early days of summer the discombobulation continues with grey, but rainy and humid days. For us though, on the Spitalfields City Farm garden team, every rain-filled cloud has the hidden blessing that our crops are watered without us lifting a finger (polytunnels aside).
In the polytunnels, early spring lettuce, multicolour chard, beetroot and zingy mustards have performed well and warmer vegetables are now on the cusp of producing. We have recently planted tomatoes, watermelon, the eccentric strawberry spinach and our infamous kodu plants, which are happily scrambling towards the polytunnel ceiling from where they will bear bottle gourds almost a metre long. It is fascinating to watch the almost perceptible, daily growth of these and the keera cucumber.
Juicy ‘Bright Lights’ beetroot brighten our salad offering
Bengali ‘Keera’ cucumber begin their ascent to the roof
Out in the community garden, the potatoes are almost ready to harvest – we have four varieties this year; Scottish McCains, Purple Rain, Maris Piper and Purple Fir Apple. Alongside this is a bed of 110 tomato plants - that takes some time and effort to maintain; pinching out suckers and tying in stems seems a never-ending task. We anticipate a tasty crop including farm favourites, black shouldered beefsteak tomatoes and orange plums along with new varieties to us – Tigerella, Green Zebra and even a white tomato!
Work experience volunteer Morrium harvests potatoes
Flowers brighten the farm and attract pollinating insects
We interplant our crops with fruit and flowers, hoping to attract the all-important pollinators and of course make the farm gardens an attractive place to stroll. We watch the orchard fruit begin to ripen and anticipate a healthy main harvest starting in July.
Some of the tasty leaves in our farm salad bags
Poppies, rhubarb and apple trees brighten the farm garden
We are always looking to recruit new volunteer gardeners. Both experienced and unskilled are equally welcome. If you would like to find out more or apply, please fill out a volunteer form