Kent Produce Update - February

The snow and cold earlier in the season have had a double downer. For a start it has delayed by 4+ weeks the cropping of Purple Sprouting Broccoli and Spring Greens. In 2022 we had both in our boxes from mid-January and we are still waiting for the Spring Greens in mid-February this year. The PSB has arrived but it has been patchy as the growers search for quality buds in their fields.

Secondly the crops that were hanging around at the end of their season got wiped out by the snow. Cavolo Nero (Black Kale) is less robust in the frost than its greener cousin so boom – all gone. Roots like beetroot and swede left in the ground – mush. The cold also wiped out a whole section of Cauli too. Whilst our crops in Kent were not too bad, other areas suffered badly. How does this affect us? Well prices quadrupled overnight and understandably local farmers find that hard to resist so our local supply becomes patchy. Or expensive, but most local suppliers cannot chase that sort of increase.

So, what’s due in March?

First to arrive is Wild Garlic Leaves and some early Salad Leaves. The are polytunnel grown so they still need some sun and warmth – to heat the tunnels you need plenty of coinage. Last year we started on or around 7^Th March but it was warmer last year. Later in the month we are likely to see Spring Onions, Pak Choi and Radish, the last two from the polytunnel again.

Gloomy right? Don’t worry – next month’s will be so cheerful. We will be looking forward to Asparagus and the fantastic Kent Soft Fruit. I’m sure there will be a few surprises too…

Steve Oram

Kent Veg Box

**Purple Sprouting Broccoli photo courtesy of Bradleys Farm, Wingham