It just struck me...

as things often do after a couple of beers but if commercial growers are suffering the same problems with weather as we are (and I can't see how they could not be) then veg prices are going to rocket later in the year. Most of my yields are well down and to that end I'm still sowing and planting stuff in the forlorn hope that we might get some reasonable weather at some point this year. Every time a bit of ground comes available I bung something in it. A blown cauliflower is still edible, as are golf ball turnips.

Am I a pessimistic paranoid or just a paranoid pessimistic?

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fred Hogg on July 9, 2012 at 1:41

Totally correct Colin, I have mused this, particularly over the last week, and I reckon chancey late sowings might be viable. If using cheap seed from the likes of Plymouths "Debbies Delights" you will obviously get "budget standard produce" tasting of "cardobra" but at practically no cost, so its worth a go, especially for you pensioners and bus conducteress's. Me , I am gradually preparing the vacant ground, ready for next years competition growing, when I will be sending a large seed order to "Debbies Delightfuls" Plymouth. Purveyors of the best seed known to horticulture. P.S Debbie, do you do a cheap deal on batteries.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stephen Shirley on July 10, 2012 at 18:53

In a year like this you need to plan / hope for and Indian Summer.

Short term my advice to anyone would be get stuff in now and pretend it is May - hoping that September / October will be August / September.

Long term I would advise on spending 'spare money' on protected growing space - cloches, tunnels, greenhouse, whatever - as you will always get the benefit.

As to the shortages, the supermarkets don't give a sh*t for UK growers so they will source from wherever to fill any gaps - at 'discounted' prices that are invariably still more expensive than farmers markets and traditional butchers/fishmonger/greengrocers.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by elaine rickett on July 14, 2012 at 11:39

I am sure you are right Colin - saw an item on potato farmers struggling - as am I. Where will it end - keeping on sowing is the only answer - that's what I'm doing anyway.