Hotbeds
June 2024
Like many growers across the UK we had a difficult year last year due to a short but very hot and dry start to the season followed by literally months of rain. We’re glad to say that now the weather is finally improving we can at long last see a light at the end of the very wet tunnel.
Latest News
Our big news this year is that we have moved from Cwmifor to a new market garden site in Dryslwyn. Not only does this make us an even more “local online store” at least for Dryslwyn, Llanfynydd, Pontargothi, Llanarthney, Nantgaredig and Court Henri, but we have finally found a site that is flat, has wonderful soil, a plentiful supply of water, a kitchen and (best of all according to Julia) toilets!
We would like to give a huge THANK YOU!! to Emma for inviting us onto her land and hope that we can really do it justice and “we promise to do our best not to get in your way too much, Emma”.
We would also like to say a massive THANK YOU!! to Aimee and Dan for allowing us to grow on their land over the last two years – we are truly grateful for your help and especially your friendship. If you don’t know of Aimee and Dan, they are both extremely talented tattoo artists based in Llandeilo – if you have never seen their stunning work – do yourself a favour and check it out their Instagram page.
New No-Dig Garden
Once again we find ourselves starting from scratch on a new site. Apart from the benefits mentioned above (kitchen, toilets and water etc.,) the garden is much closer to our home meaning less time spent travelling to and from our house and more time to work in the garden.
Under Cover
We decided to start with the old greenhouse that is already on site. As the garden has not been used in several years there was a fair bit of work to do.
Firstly it had to be cleared of all the of brambles, the missing plastic panels had to be refitted and cleaned and all needed washing inside and out. After covering the floor with weed membrane we set up the shelving on which our tomato seedlings are now growing.
Outside
There is a patch of open ground which is a perfect size for us to get started on the veg plots. We just need to crack on with getting the grass strimmed and we can then start building our no-dig beds (we feel a few no-dig gardening courses might be coming up soon!)
The rest of the garden consists of an orchard of apple, pear and plum trees as well as blackcurrant, redcurrant and gooseberry bushes. Unfortunately most of this is overgrown with lots of willow and other trees as well as plenty of brambles. As we are planning to focus on the no-dig beds and the polytunnel and greenhouse this year we are thinking we might move the goats over to the garden to do most of the clearing for us.
Livestock
Goats
Speaking of the goats – we are pleased to say that our lovely girls have produced four stunning, healthy kids. In the next few weeks we intend to begin milking the mums and look forward to having fresh goat milk which we plan to use for both drinking and cheese making.
Sheep
Our small flock of Llanwenog sheep have outdone themselves this year with 15 beautiful lambs so far with one more ewe to go. In fact they have done so well we are looking to sell several of the ewes with lambs at foot over the coming weeks so, if you are interested in a starter flock or adding to your existing flock feel free to get in touch.
Free Range Eggs
We have 20 new hens coming in June to add to the flock we already have so look out for fresh free-range eggs available soon.
Hogget
With our flock of rare-breed Llanwenog sheep doing so well, we have plenty of delicious pasture-reared hogget available for sale. If you have not tried hogget before we promise you will not be disappointed. Llanwenog sheep are a traditional slower growing breed and ours are reared entirely on grass for around 18 months giving the meat a rich, full flavour but remaining as tender as spring lamb.
If you would like to buy or know more about hogget click here to contact us
Online Shop
We are continuing to add more products to our online shop and we would like to thank all our customers who have supported us so far. We are very grateful for your custom and for supporting a local grower and retailer.
We would also like to thank Dryslwyn Community Shop for supporting us by providing a pickup point for our customers to collect their boxes every Friday between 9am and 3:30pm.
Why not check out our online store here
Volunteering
People volunteer with us for many different reasons, such as learning new skills, making new friends, getting out in the fresh air or simply just doing something they really enjoy.
Like any market garden or smallholding there are always several projects on the go at any one time, like sowing, planting, harvesting and watering as well as working with the animals. On top of all that there are still all the general maintenance jobs to do like looking after the tools and equipment, fencing and painting.
Don’t think it’s all work and no play though. Despite all the work that needs doing, the whole reason for us to give up our 9 to 5 jobs was for a better lifestyle. That’s why we have a relaxed and friendly atmosphere around the farm and plenty of breaks for tea and biscuits (and Popmaster).
If you are interested in no-dig gardening, growing amazing fruit and veg, looking after animals and being out in the country then we’re sure there is something at The Edible Garden Company for you to get stuck into.
Finally we would like to thank all of our followers, customers and volunteers for all their help and support over the last year – we look forward to the rest of the year with you all!