Page 31 - Simply Vegetables Winter 2022/23

Adapting
to Climate
Change
If we are to continue growing our own fruit and vegetables especially if we hope to be self-sufficient, we need to adapt to growing as the climate alters. Last year showed us the type of weather we could expect in the future if trends continue which scientist think is very likely. If the scientist are correct and they most likely are as they are nearly all in agreement, we can expect hotter, dryer summers (possible not all as hot as last year) and milder wetter winters. Also, if the last couple of springs are anything to go by these seem to be slower warming up and lasting a bit longer; well here in the south they seem to be.
We cannot yet accurately predict
the weather for future years, but we should base our growing decisions and plans on the current climate forecasts and the last few years. We need to make changes to ensure we continue to harvest decent crops.
So, what can we
do to adapt our
growing methods
to ensure we have
enough food to feed
the family especially
with the current food
prices and inflation.
Action one should
be to save more of the winter rains that are forecast to try to last as long as possible over the summer period and ensure we can irrigate our crops and achieve decent yields. Today in Hampshire we have had torrential showers and I have saved as much as I can, most of the water butts are full and many other containers I could get my hands on, and I am thinking of buying another water butt. I am not sure where I will store all the buckets and containers yet but that is a problem for the future! If you have space install some more water butts or even tanks as the more water saved the better for both you, the environment and water companies.
Make sure the water is applied using efficient irrigation methods, in greenhouses watering cans are useful as you can direct the water to the roots and do not tend
to apply as
much as when
using hoses.
If growing in
containers use
drip or similar
systems or try
a hydroponic
system like the
Autopot which
does not waste any water. Outdoors look at using trickle or leaky pipes that direct the water down to the roots and very little of it evaporates. Where possible use mulching to reduce evaporation and weed growth; weeds are big users of water.
Continuing the water theme add as much organic matter to your growing areas as you can get your hands on. Organic matter holds water in the soil and supplies
and holds nutrients, which is important with the current and likely future prices of fertilisers. The cost to commercial growers has risen by 200% in the last year and are likely to increase by a similar amount to gardeners. Organic matter also opens up clay soils and improves silty ones which will be important during the wetter winter forecast. Either dig in the organic matter or spread it over the surface if a no digger to a
Broad Bean ‘Stero’ June 5th
Brassica olearacea var. ramosa (Perennial Kale)
Chick pea
Simply Vegetables 31