Our series that follows life on the UK’s only Jewish farm

Winter is always a busy time on the farm as we prepare for the year ahead. In the chicken coop the chickens are beginning to feel at home in their new compost enclosure. We’ve been tidying it up and putting in removable wooden sides to retain the compost. Compost bay number one has a chicken-sized side entrance, so a couple of jumps in and some lucky bird can gorge on all the leftovers.

It might seem a strange time to be sowing seeds, but hay rattle needs a cold snap to germinate. Also known as the ‘meadow maker’, this plant enables parasites to thrive on grasses, thereby creating space for various wildflowers in the meadow.

We recently had our first Mama Spirit Fest retreat for mothers and children. While the mums had some time off, an energetic group of kids were guided through the winding woodland path to find some funky mushrooms, discover how logs can make cool drums and how the stag beetle loggery makes a great climbing frame. And now we know that it takes at least six people holding hands to hug the massive old willow tree on the edge of the woodland.

The final pumpkins are being harvested alongside brussel sprouts and parsnips, so the veg beds are emptying out. On Mitzvah Day in November we planted around 200 garlic and onion bulbs for a June harvest. We have also sown a few broad beans and peas to come up early next spring (winter is a time of rest for our veg patch). We leave a lot of the weeds in to keep the nutrients in the soil and will start preparing the beds for spring sowings in mid February, so there’s plenty to do if you want to come for some winter volunteering!

By Talia Chain

Visit sadehfarm.co.uk to find out more.

You can also find Sadeh Farm’s regular column in JR magazine, from the Apr 2019 issue.