Our plots have germinated

Three or so weeks after planting the cover crops the seeds have begun to germinate may not look like much now but wait a month and see how they grow!

Planting the Natural England plots

Rolling the field before planting - getting the soil ready for the seeds.

The plots are marked with flags so we know what we have planted in each one and what should be growing!

Planting the seeds

We have been planting the Natural England trial plots for cover crops. What is a cover crop? Well it is plants that are specifically planted by the farmer to cover the ground instead of a food crop such as wheat, oats, barley, vegetables.

Why does the ground need to be covered? Well we can improve the soil quality by planting plants that store nitrogen in their roots, we can improve the structure of the soil so that the soil is not compacted ( pushed together so it does not let water through - this makes flooding more likely as the water cannot get through the soil) or we can use the crops to keep the soil in place so that it does not blow or wash away.

We have twenty four different plots some to promote bees and birds (because they contain seeds for the winter) and some to help soil structure. Please do follow our photo diary.

Spring accelerates

We have been very busy this last week or so planting our vegetable garden. It hasn't received as much publicity as the kitchen garden at the White House. I am very new to growing my own food in the garden and was hit by a caterpillar plague last year so have just netted all the cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli this year.

I have also been watching the programme on Gardeners World about setting up a fruit and vegetable garden. Check out the Dig In campaign.

More blossom photos

Spring flowers and blossom

The farm is abundant with spring flowers and blossom - so beautiful.

Promoting wetland birds

I had the chance to visit a farm in Herefordshire where they are seeking to promote wetland birds by creating a series of wet areas and scrapes. this will promote the insects that the birds feed on encouraging them to nest and bring up their young. Interesting project!

Bird walk and talk

2We are holding a “Bird Walk and Talk” at Hill Farm, Castle Frome on Saturday 16th May 2009. Meet at 6.15 am for a 6.30 start. The guided farm walk will take around 60 - 90 minutes and involve some uphill stretches. Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for the weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Tickets: Adults £5.00 and Children £2.50 to include Breakfast rolls and tea or coffee. Further details: contact Louise Manning on 01531 640821. Proceeds in aid of St Michael and All Angels Church, Castle Frome