We're in the hungry gap - what is it?

At this time, in our area of the world, the winter crops are coming to an end - the cabbages and kales etc. Salads are going to seed in the tunnels and even the storage crops are running low and going soft.

But isn't spring a time of growth? Yes, it is... and so, we frantically start preparing ground, repairing, servicing and replacing equipment that we needed yesterday. Sowing seeds in trays, nurturing the delicate plants in the greenhouse and trying to fit in a succession sowing of lettuce every week.

So, we're strapped for time, having to buy in more produce because there is less to harvest, and we're spending more because the farm needs seeds, compost, maintenance and labour ready for another season.

In short, the hungry gap is the period that we are most grateful for the support and understanding of you, our customers and community. It is the most expensive and most difficult time of year for the farm. Surprisingly, it extends into June when the summer crops start to reach readiness.