Occasional blog 8
Sometimes problems can crop up in the short-term which then 'resolve themselves' in the longer-term ---- The short-term outlook for the crops here at the eco organic micro-holding (small smallholding) in the Uk midlands looks reasonably good in spite of a sort of 'stop-start' spring, Some seeds have been quite slow to emerge, and germination rates haven't been at their best, whilst other crops such as onions from sets ('baby onions') have forged ahead, as have the early potatoes started under plastic, which look particularly good.
Longer-term considerations involve both fuel supplies and on-going soil fertility. Fuel supplies for next winter are building-up nicely, to be added to with regular sawing sessions, a feature of the summer season. The current compost heap is getting regular contributions, mainly from weeds and excess herbage growth at this time of year.
The 'push for profits' modern trend seems to continue unabated, although a brief case-study shows that one experienced campaigner operated somewhat differently, eschewing the short-term 'push-for-profits' style in favour of longer-term more sustainable profit making. In the case of farming, for instance, before the advent of chemical farming systems, any chosen method had to build-in longer-term aspects of soil fertility, growing a mix of 'demanding' crops (eg. wheat) and 'replenishing' crops (eg. legumes - peas and beans)
