Protected cropping: where are we at?

摘要

Miles Denyer gave a brief overview of Hankham Organics. They stumbled across the disused nursery in 2001, when it had been abandoned for 5 years. The nursery was only available to rent and was in a poor state. With more than 2 acres of glass it was adaunting prospect, but there were advantages of good fertile sandy clay loam soil and a sheltered site located away from main roads. It took four years to restore 1.5 acres of glass, with a further half-acre block unrestored at present. Miles came together with Peter Dollimore who had also been looking for a glasshouse to grow organically and found that they shared interests in environmental issues and food production and had complimentary skills. The aim was to establish a viable business growing organic vegetables and supplying customers within a 25-mile radius via vegetable boxes and localshops. The emphasis is on variety of produce rather than volume with a strong bias towards leafy salads and herbs.