Farming & Commercial Growers

Did you know that December 5th is World Soil Day (WSD)? The UN designated it as such in 2013 to bring attention to the issues we face concerning soil and the solutions we can employ.

Although not a new idea, the use of green manures, cover crops, and catch crops has gained momentum in recent years as a powerful tool for regenerating soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting sustainable farming systems.

Research is confirming that a diverse mix of grasses, legumes and other plants improves pasture and grassland for soil health, animal health and for wildlife.

Potato breeders have been labouring away in the background for decades to develop potato varieties that are great tasting, have good agronomic qualities and are highly blight resistant. 

Winter green manures are sown in late summer and early autumn after the harvest of crops. The winter weather can lead to a great loss of nutrients and structure in the soil if left unprotected.

Boost Plants with a Foliar Feed If you think your plants need an extra boost, consider foliar feeding with an organically approved plant feed. What is Foliar Feeding? Foliar feeding is the spraying of a liquid fertiliser onto the leaves of the plant rather than into the soil. The plant's leaves then absorb the fertiliser through their stomata and epidermis...

If you have a polytunnel you will know how long it takes to water your crops.  Why not install an irrigation system and free up all that time that you spend watering? Drip Irrigation Perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective way to water your crops is with a drip irrigation system where pipes are laid along the ground and water...

Soil blocks might seem a bit of a garden shed mystery but they are just what the name suggests – blocks made from soil.  They are used for the propagation of seeds and cuttings and are very easy to make and use.  There is no need for pots or modular trays. Soil blocks are made with a Blocker. You can...

Soil Testing - Taking a Soil Sample A soil test is a scientific way to measure the fertility of your soil. It will indicate if you need to fix any plant nutrient issues. A soil test analysis shows which nutrients your soil is lacking but also which are already present - knowing this is important as a soil too rich...

Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) has beautiful gold flowers and is a valuable wildflower, but it is also famous for its ability to reduce the vigour of grass. The plant operates as a partial parasite on grasses, it will lock its roots onto the roots of grasses, once contact is made the yellow rattle draws water and nutrients from them, suppressing...