homegrown and handmade
Written by Bev Askew
The garden is in full swing, heading into August. The hot weather has been fantastic for the sweetcorn and chillies, and the tomatoes and borlotti beans are doing well too. I’ve got 3 farmer’s markets this month, I’m expecting to have at least 20 different fresh fruit and veg at each! I’m also pleased to … Continue reading “August 2026”
Written by Bev Askew
We’ve spent the last couple of weeks in Europe in the motorhome, having a trundle around – nice to get away for a while! Lots of changes in the veg plot on our return! Everything is doing well – potatoes are almost ready, plenty of lovely strawberries, and the tomatoes are starting to ripen. Carrots, … Continue reading “July 2026”
Written by Bev Askew
After a chilly start to May, with the last frost very late this year, things are finally moving in the veg plot! The first strawberries are ripening, and all the fruit bushes are looking healthy. Sweetcorn plants are growing fast now, and fresh herbs are ready for my next farmers market, on June 6th at … Continue reading “June 2026”
Written by Bev Askew
It’s all busy on the veg plot now! Hundreds of tiny plants are all well on their way. Early crops of juicy radishes, green chard, asparagus, and rhubarb. The fruit trees are in full blossom, and the polytunnel strawberries are flowering well – it won’t be long before we have our first delicious crop!
Written by Bev Askew
A delicious home-reared pork shoulder for Easter, and the Copper Maran hens have started laying their beautiful chocolate brown eggs! I’m also involved in Carlin Pea revival trials this month, in association with Garden Organic and Coventry University. Although the consumption of UK legumes has fallen over the last 100 years, they are an important … Continue reading “April 2026”
Written by Bev Askew
Spring is almost here! 3 new ladies joined us this month – meet the Babettes! They are Black Copper Maran hens, their eggs are a beautiful dark chocolate brown colour, highly prized by French chefs for their delicious taste! Also new to Acre Fare is Dove, a 17 month old rescue greyhound from Ireland. She’s … Continue reading “March 2026”
Written by Bev Askew
Some very good news here at Acre Fare! I have been awarded funding from SoSE via the Small Producers Pilot Fund to upgrade some small outbuildings on my acre. These will become storage facilities for fresh, refrigerated, and frozen produce, as well as storage for glassware, egg boxes, etc. I’ll also be able to begin … Continue reading “February 2026”
Written by Bev Askew
Happy New Year, everyone! I’m looking forward to getting started in the garden very soon! We’ve had a few days cross country skiing, up in the Cairngorms, and some very sad news – we had to say goodbye to our almost 13 year old whippet, Boo. She loved helping me in the garden, and with … Continue reading “January 2026”
Written by Bev Askew
The polytunnels have been cleared and a layer of chicken manure, straw and compost added to the beds, which I’ve then covered with polythene to keep them damp and warm. I’ve sown some cauliflower, for overwintering in the polytunnel. This will hopefully give an early crop. The hens are being given high protein treats during … Continue reading “December 2025”
Written by Bev Askew
The veg plot is slowing down now, as are the hens. They are into their moulting phase, so egg production will all but cease until March. They have earned a rest! I’m busy thinking about next year – crop rotation plans, which beds to add manure to, what products sold well and what didn’t. I … Continue reading “November 2025”
