It’s seems no time at all since the potatoes, pumpkin and corn were planted. Now the call has gone out that it’s time to harvest!
We’ve planted, weeded, fertilized and the sun has done its work with the rain coming when we most needed it (especially as this is no water gardening). The cover crop was a joy to behold with sunflowers and the fabulous red clover. Now the harvest has begun!
On Thursday 12th March at 4.30pm the team (about 20 of us) made up of workers from the local vineyards, staff from Kuranui College, volunteers from Greytown and Martinborough Foodbanks and the Opp Shop and members of the Ruamahunga Farm Carb Club gathered to begin the harvest of corn and potatoes, (pumpkins not quite ready yet). It was hot (26 degrees) Saskia gave the briefing and we set to work.
I can’t explain the feeling of digging up those potatoes and counting them into the bucket. I had no idea it would be so satisfying! The potatoes looked so good in their hessian potato sacks ready for short term storage. Thank you to Farmlands Greytown for the generous discount on the sacks. It is estimated the crop will be about 2 tonne. The potatoes will be appreciated by our foodbank clients over the next few months.
It is estimated the crop will be about 2 tonne. The potatoes will be appreciated by our foodbank clients over the next few months.
The corn is fabulous as well and as it ripens it is being harvested and distributed through the Foodbanks.
The pumpkins are looking very good and will be ready for harvest probably May. Crop estimate says there could be as many as 800 pumpkin! Thank you to those people who have offered us dry secure storage.
This has been a highly successful and fun project and I am very aware of the knowledge, skill and collaboration of so many people who have contributed to its success: Martinborough Wine Services for the use of their Land, Ata Rangi vineyard for mowing and equipment, Richard Kershaw for ploughing, sowing the overcrop, and providing the bailage. Richard Drummond for allowing us access on the north boundary of the garden. Jono Hartnell for installing a farm gate along Richard’s boundary, St Anthony’s Church for access through their paddock and allowing us to park on their land. Jane Riddiford from Ruamahunga Farm Foundation for coming up with the idea and working alongside us. Sashia Wanklyn (especially Saskia) for providing so much of the advice and expertise and keeping us on task. Helen & Ben Masters for leading out this project for The Social Crust with their “can do” positive attitude.
At the end of the first evening harvest we shared kai together tired but with a sense of satisfaction that comes from a job well done!
Will we be doing this again next growing season? We’re keen and Richard Kershaw has already volunteered to sow a winter crop in the paddock.
Everyone involved in the project has given their time and skill free of charge! Fabulous collaboration and community.
This saying seems to wrap up the whole experience:
“Earth is here so kind, that, just tickle her with a hoe and she laughs with a harvest. – Douglas William Jerrold
