Terry Walton is encouraging us all to be more self sufficient in 2021
Let’s all raise a glass and make 2021 the year to strive for self-sufficiency as much as possible
Let’s face it – 2020 has been a year like no other in my lifetime, being kept apart from family and friends for long periods and having to remember all the rules has been difficult. The future looks brighter and during these weird times many of you, like me, have found gardening to be your salvation. However, Christmas was a chance for a very small family gathering and a chance to reflect.
Christmas lunch was a healthy affair with a wide range of vegetables. This far exceeded the daily five requirements! It was also a testament to the flavour and freshness of the vegetables that there were requests for ‘more please’ and nothing was left on the plates. A look of satisfaction creeps across my face that the work of almost nine months of growing is totally appreciated and enjoyed without a word being spoken. Now January is upon us and what a restful, reflective month this is. So curb your eagerness! Too many of us in this gardening lark want to be the first to harvest our crops and ‘plough’ ahead despite the weather conditions. But stop; think about what we really want from our crops. The prime objective to me is plenty of tasty, fresh food. Now’s the time to walk the walk, draw up our plans then relax for a while. Make 2021 a year to strive for self sufficiency. Beat these hard financial times by planning to grow in a more economical manner. We all make the mistakes of sowing too much of the same crop, and while it’s a nice gesture to share these surplus crops with others, it’s be er to use our ground for more of a range of crops for the kitchen.
So, in the season ahead, control your sowings, particularly of those crops that cannot be stored, and sow enough just to meet immediate needs. Don’t forget the vegetables that freeze well. I know, there’s nothing be er than eating freshly picked crops, but these frozen crops help fill the gaps in the long winter months. Members of the legume family fill this gap perfectly and peas, broad beans, runner beans and French beans all freeze well. These stored beauties help when the hunger gap is about!
If you only use your allotment for summer crops and hibernate in the cold, dark winters, make this the year you become bold! Plant those long-growing vegetables that will provide fresh tasty treats in the harsher days.
These do, however, occupy ground for a long period so make sure you leave a space for them. Parsnips and leeks are in the ground for almost a year and winter brassicas, such as Brussels sprouts, for nearly nine months. The swede is sown in late May so make sure you leave a piece of ground to sow it in before you get carried away with your summer crops.