We are growing a winter pea/barley crop in here to try and get ahead of the potential spring drought. This has been harrowed to try to reduce the weed burden – mainly charlock – and to loosen the dock plants which are always present on this farm!
The winter barley and peas are through, and the peas have a strong tap root already.
The nodules on these roots are present and as soon as the soil is warm enough, the nitrogen fixing bacteria will begin their work – clever little things, fixing it from the air – no artificial fertilisers here!
The large group of deer are enjoying this crop already…
Sam has ploughed out the over-winter wild bird feed. This will be planted again later in the year so that it sets seed for the winter, when birds need it most.
