old Off-topic discussions (closed April 2018)
Grahame Hunter
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This is a space for any topics not covered in a specific thread - and for announcements which members wish to bring to the attention of the group as a whole, and that they prefer not to request for me to distribute in a general email.
So, in brief, for anything the group want to discuss in what is a public forum, but outside the main thread..this is the place.
Grahame Hunter Wed 19 Apr 2017 7:33PM
19 April
Not a group event
The bluebells are actually pretty phenomenal in the woods near to where the Spelt has been sown. If any few of the group have an urge to fly the city and to _ come out over the weekend, perhaps on Sunday, _ I could show you where they are, and point you at the pub for lunch. We could also see where the Spelt lies concealed in the ground. John may or may not be around. Let me know, and if less than 5 at once, I can collect you from Stevenage station.
Grahame - __ [email protected] __
Wendy Alcock Fri 21 Apr 2017 7:41AM
I'm away this weekend but will definitely try and make any future ad hoc weekend visits - thanks for suggesting Grahame.
Veronica Lopes da Silva Mon 24 Apr 2017 1:12PM
Hello all!
I know that we could all do with more opportunities to come together and get to know each other, feast, and talk about food and our relationship to food. I am part of a group organising a Sacred Sunday Disco Soup at the Skip Garden on May 14th and would love to see some of you there! There will be cooking, there will be activities, there will be talking, there will be feasting and (hopefully) there will be sun! Feel free to bring a dish to share too...
For more information:
http://www.globalgeneration.org.uk/whats-on-1/2017/5/14/sacred-sunday-disco-soup
To register for the event:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sacred-sunday-disco-soup-tickets-33846125673
Vero
Tony Allan Wed 3 May 2017 7:56PM
Dear Grahame
Did OurFiled get some rain today Wednesday 3 May?
John Cherry Sun 7 May 2017 5:42PM
I'm afraid not. Or, at least, not so that you would notice. Not much forecast either.
Tony Allan Mon 8 May 2017 6:27AM
Dear John
Many thanks for your comment.
What happens regarding the germination of spring sown crops if the conditions are as dry and as cold as they have been this past April and May? I presume this is the worst season since 2010-2012?. How are the winter sown crops faring?
Tony
John Cherry Tue 9 May 2017 3:03PM
A lot of the later spring sown crops around the country, are sitting in dry cobbly seed-beds, waiting for rain. We've held off doing any more, until we get rain (only got a field of linseed to go in and it doesn't mind May sowing). Looking at our spring beans this morning, drilled at end of March and still emerging. At least everything we've planted is growing after a fashion, one of the many benefits of not moving the ground...
Winter sown crops are hanging on at the moment, rather than hitting peak growth, which they should be just now. Yields will be down across the board, but if it rains soon everything will cheer up ok and we'll not lose too much. On the lighter, sandier soil farmers are suffering rather more, and because we have (smugly) accumulated organic matter in the soil over the years of no-tilling and cover-cropping, we are a bit more drought tolerant. Every %age point of SOM (soil organic matter) will hold 20,000 litres of water per acre; humus is like a sponge, storing water as well as fertility.
Tony Allan Tue 9 May 2017 5:22PM
Thank you John, Your commentary is very useful indeed..
Darren Fri 19 May 2017 1:54PM
If anyone is really interested in soil and is free on the 27th - 28th May bank holiday weekend.booking for the SoilHack Gathering 2017 in Somerset is still open until midnight Sunday. http://www.feedavalon.org.uk/soilhack2017/
Wendy Alcock · Sun 16 Apr 2017 8:55AM
That looks delicious Tamsyn :-)