As you may be aware, this year has not been ideal growing conditions for us in the fresh produce industry. In fact, this year has been the most difficult that many people can remember as a result of the wet, cool weather. The worst affected have been the Brassica crops, especially broccoli, although the biggest concerns are probably around the main season potato crop. All the crops are in need of a warm, dry spell and an Indian summer would really help the potato and onion crops. Along with these, parsnips, cauliflowers, carrots, leeks, whole head salads and baby spinach have all taken a tumble with regards to productivity and harvesting.
Those of you heading for London for the Olympics may like to know what sort of state the countryside is in. The weather is said to be looking up from Sunday with temperatures nudging into the 20s ºC(!) but we have had the wettest, greyest June and July that I can remember and this has had terrible effects. Flooding has been widespread, and those growing vegetables have been particularly badly hit. Here is a report from our favourite veg supplier, Secretts of Surrey:
Here are a few pictures which speak a thousand words...
