A UK Year-Round Harvest, Rain or Shine – The Circular Community Way

It's about the food folks not just a distracting, hastily called general election ahead of the long overdue financial crash in August. That is a story for another day, the plates (debt, derivatives, commercial, retail and private property) have been spun for the vested interests and greedy politicians, for as long as they can, Therefore we most focus on the fundamentals that will allow us to survive and thrive rather than continue to be greenwashed and brainwashed by the cartels of tech, media and other forces that want to control us.

We fix the problems we can by pushing up and moving onto and into bigger circles later. The biggest, but perhaps most important is the UK's climate. Always known for its unpredictable showers and cool temperatures, she is truly upping the anti through 2024.

The grand solar minimum and the alignment of our solar systems four gas giants in October adds to the La Ni?a cycle. In English, conditions are likely to shift to ENSO-neutral by April-June 2024 so the odds of La Ni?a developing in June-August 2024 have risen to 55%. Though that is cloaking global warming it isn't going away and will add to the autumnal tidal threats and volcanic activity. All of this will play into the global food supply.

In the last decade the global food supply has been cleverly monopolised by the greedy powers that be. It's a bit like utilities you can keep turning the screws because the income from a captive audience is guaranteed. We won't starve because even these sociopath rent seekers realise that hungry people are very angry people and very bad for business. So they employ clever price gauging and combined with the degradation of the food quality that is filling our stomachs. So from a nutritional point of view we need to grow our own healthy food as communities to supplant our diet.

The UK's green but increasingly inclement land might therefore seem to be a challenge for growing year-round community food. But with a bit of ingenuity and a commitment to sustainable practices, communities of around 200 plus can enjoy fresh, nutritious produce from their own gardens and within a shared community micro farm 365 days a year.

The key lies in embracing a circular approach to growing – a cycle of sowing, studying, and sustaining that nourishes both the land and its people - to secure and sustain community resilience. The two street that forms a circular gift that keeps on giving rather than the linear one of take, make, break and waste.

Polytunnels and Raised Beds: Creating Microclimates for Abundance

Polytunnels and netted tunnels will become our allies, the unsung heroes of the new ear of year-round growing in the UK. These structures act as protective shields, creating microclimates that shelter delicate crops from harsh weather. Leafy greens like spinach and kale flourish in the cooler temperatures, while herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary thrive in the humid environment. Even strawberries can extend their fruiting season with the protection of a polytunnel.

Outside, raised beds can also play a crucial role in combating the UK's increasingly wet climate. By elevating the soil, they improve drainage and prevent waterlogged roots, creating a more hospitable environment for a wider variety of crops. A cover like that used on cricket wickets will protect against heavy downpours, with water harvesting negating and utilising flood water.

Staple Stars: Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, and the Cycle of Regeneration

Potatoes, the backbone of many a British meal, are a staple for good reason. They are high-yielding, packed with nutrients, and store well for months. Onions, another kitchen essential, offer a pungent flavour and a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Carrots, bursting with beta-carotene and antioxidants, are another reliable crop that can be grown and stored for winter consumption.

But the circular journey doesn't end at harvest. Every potato peel, onion skin, and carrot top can be composted, returning vital nutrients to the soil and enriching it for future crops. By saving seeds from the strongest and healthiest plants, we ensure a genetically diverse and resilient garden that adapts and thrives over time.

Legumes: The Protein Powerhouses

Beans and peas, the unsung heroes of the plant world, provide an abundance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Whether you're growing bush beans for a quick harvest or training climbing varieties up trellises, these nitrogen-fixing plants enrich the soil while providing a hearty and satisfying addition to any meal.

Brassicas: Cool-Weather Champions

Brassicas, the family of vegetables that includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, are well-suited to the UK's cooler climate. With a bit of planning and the use of protective covers like cloches or row covers, these nutrient-dense vegetables can be harvested throughout the year.

Fruitful Delights: A Symphony of Flavors and Nutrients

Apples, the quintessential British fruit, can be grown in a variety of regions and offer a sweet, juicy treat packed with vitamins and fiber. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries add a burst of colour and antioxidants to the diet. And rhubarb, a versatile perennial, thrives in the UK climate and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

By propagating our own fruit bushes and trees from cuttings or seeds, we not only ensure a continuous supply of fresh fruit but also contribute to the genetic diversity of our gardens, making them more resilient to pests and diseases.

Leafy Greens and Roots: A Bounty of Vitamins and Minerals

Polytunnels allow us to extend the growing season for leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce, providing a consistent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants even in the darkest months of winter. Meanwhile, hardy root vegetables like beets, turnips, and parsnips store well in cool, dark conditions, ensuring a nutritious harvest throughout the year.

The Circular Strategy: Sow, Study, Sustain

1. Sow: Choose open-pollinated, heritage seeds to ensure genetic diversity and resilience. Consider seed saving to create a self-sufficient seed bank.
2. Study: Observe your plants carefully, noting their growth patterns, preferences, and vulnerabilities. Learn from both successes and failures to continually improve your gardening practices.
3. Sustain: Compost all organic waste to nourish the soil. Use natural pest control methods to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Share surplus produce with neighbors and community members to foster a culture of abundance and generosity.

Growing food for a community of 200 people in the UK requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, including climate, soil type, available space, and the community's specific needs and preferences. Here are some suggestions for the best options, categorised by their nutritional value and suitability for the UK climate:

Staple Crops:

• Potatoes: Potatoes are a high-yielding and versatile crop that provides carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They are relatively easy to grow in the UK and can be stored for long periods.
• Onions: Onions are a staple ingredient in many cuisines and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They can be grown in the UK and stored for several months.
• Carrots: Carrots are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They grow well in the UK climate and can be stored for winter consumption.
• Beans and Peas: These legumes are excellent sources of protein, fiber, and various nutrients. They can be grown in the UK and dried for long-term storage.
• Brassicas: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are all nutrient-dense vegetables that grow well in the UK. They can be harvested throughout the year with proper planning.
• Oats: Oats are a versatile grain that can be used in various dishes. They are relatively easy to grow in the UK and provide carbohydrates, fiber, and other nutrients.

Oats are a versatile and nutritious option that can be used in various recipes, including bread and flapjacks. Talking of grains, wheat, ie bread, is becoming a problem but all of these wheat grain substitutes can be grown in the UK!

• Rye: Rye is well-suited to the UK climate and can be grown in various soil types. It's a hardy crop that can tolerate cooler temperatures and is often used as a cover crop to improve soil health.
• Spelt: Spelt is another ancient grain that thrives in the UK. It's slightly more demanding than wheat but can be grown successfully with proper care.
• Buckwheat: Although not a true grain, buckwheat can be grown in the UK, particularly in warmer regions. It's a fast-growing crop that prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
• Quinoa: Quinoa can be grown in the UK, but it requires specific conditions, such as well-draining soil and a long, warm growing season. It's best suited to southern regions with milder climates.

Fruits and Berries:

• Apples: Apples are a popular fruit in the UK and can be grown in various regions. They provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are delicious and nutritious fruits that can be grown in the UK. They provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a versatile vegetable that can be used in desserts and savory dishes. It's a good source of vitamins and minerals and thrives in the UK climate.

Vegetables are key to the circular model, from both a nutritional and composting perspective.

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can be grown throughout the year in the UK with the help of polytunnels.
• Root Vegetables: Beets, turnips, and parsnips are hearty root vegetables that provide carbohydrates, fiber, and various nutrients. They will grow well and can be stored for winter consumption.
• Herbs: Herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, and mint add flavor to dishes and provide various health benefits. They are easy to grow and can be used fresh or dried.

In addition to these crops, consider incorporating permaculture principles to create a sustainable and resilient food system. This fruit forest area involves planting perennial crops like fruit trees and berries, using companion planting techniques to improve soil health to deter pests and incorporating livestock for manure and other benefits.

By choosing a diverse range of crops that are well-suited to the changing UK climate and soil conditions, we can create a thriving and productive community garden that provides a significant portion of the community's nutritional needs.

Our Year-Round Strategy

• Polytunnels: Leafy greens, herbs, spring onions, radishes, strawberries.
• Raised Beds: Brassicas, root vegetables, onions, garlic, broad beans (with protection).
• Crop Rotation: Prevents disease and keeps soil healthy.
• Mulch: Protects soil, retains moisture, suppresses weeds.
• Cover Crops: Enrich soil during off-seasons.

Here's a breakdown of how and what crops can be grown year-round in the UK, both indoors and outdoors, even in the wetter climate:

Year-Round Polytunnel/Netted Tunnel Crops:

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens thrive in cooler temperatures and can be grown continuously in polytunnels or netted tunnels.
• Herbs: Most herbs, such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives, can be grown year-round in protected environments.
• Spring Onions: These are a fast-growing crop that can be planted in succession for a continuous harvest.
• Radishes: Radishes are another fast-growing crop that can be grown year-round indoors.
• Strawberries: With proper care and variety selection, strawberries can produce fruit for an extended period in polytunnels.
• Asian Greens: Pak choi, mizuna, and other Asian greens tolerate cooler temperatures and can be grown throughout the year in protected environments.

Year-Round Raised Bed Crops (with some protection):

• Brassicas: While brassicas are generally cool-season crops, you can extend their growing season by using row covers or cloches to protect them from frost and heavy rain.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, and parsnips can be grown year-round in raised beds with proper mulching and protection during winter.
• Onions and Garlic: These alliums can be planted in autumn for a spring/summer harvest or in spring for an autumn/winter harvest.
• Broad Beans: These hardy legumes can be sown in autumn for an early spring harvest.

Feeding a community of 200 sustainably is not just a dream; it's a tangible reality. By adopting a circular approach to growing, we can cultivate a resilient and abundant food system that nourishes our bodies and our planet.

Don't wait for ideal conditions. Start sowing, studying, and sustaining your community garden today. Each seed planted, each lesson learned, and each harvest shared strengthens our connection to the earth and each other.

Ready to join the circular revolution? Research local resources, connect with fellow growers, and embark on this journey of sustainable nourishment. The rewards will be far more than just delicious. Sow Study Sustain!