Autumn in the Somerset West Village Garden
Autumn has officially settled in Somerset West, and the changing season is breathing new life into the Village Garden. We recently caught up with garden supervisors, Jenny and Di, to get the inside scoop (or shovel-full) on what’s in store for the season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener, an aspiring green thumb, or simply eager to see what’s available at the next Tuesday market day, this seasonal update is for you.
ReLieF from the Summer Heat
With the March equinox behind us, the garden is thriving as summer’s intensity continues to fade. Plants look healthier, less stressed, and ready to flourish in the new season. Renate, our dedicated shade house expert, has been hard at work planting broccoli, cabbage, and kale seeds into trays. These cool-weather greens will be ready for transplanting in April, ensuring a bountiful harvest in the coming months.
Secrets for Veggie Success
A successful autumn garden relies on a few key practices: mulching, using Atlantic Bio Ocean, and selecting the right varietals.
The cauliflowers sown in January are thriving, given a nutritious side dressing of Atlantic Bio Ocean to encourage the growth of large, healthy heads, which will be ready for harvest in early May.
Mulching has proven to be invaluable, significantly reducing the time it takes for plants to mature while improving both the quality and size of our vegetables.
Spinach seedlings continue to be planted, ensuring a steady harvest through to September. Older spinach plants are being removed to make way for carrots, turnips, kohlrabi, and parsnips.
Carrots can be sown year-round, but choosing the right varietal is crucial. Cape Market and Nantes carrots are ideal for autumn as they thrive in cooler temperatures, producing sweet, crisp roots.
What to Expect on Tuesday Market Day
If you love fresh, organic produce and want to support local, make sure to visit our Tuesday market from 09:00-11:00 to stock up on seasonal delights.
Sweet Potatoes: This season has surprised us with a bumper crop of sweet potatoes. The runners were planted in November, and so far, we’ve harvested twenty crates with one more bed left to go!
Beetroot: Our February sowings are looking fantastic! Timing is key when planting beetroot—if sown too late, they mature in the heat and go to seed too quickly.
Pesto Galore: Basil has flourished between the peppers and chillies, keeping us busy with pesto production. Our homemade basil pesto is a market favourite, and we can barely keep up with demand!
Additional Harvests: We’re still enjoying the last sowings of green beans, while okra and aubergines continue to produce well, rounding out a diverse and abundant autumn selection.
Visit Us!
Autumn is a season of transformation, growth, and delicious harvests at the Somerset West Village Garden. Whether you’re interested in planting tips or looking for fresh, local produce, we invite you to be part of our vibrant community. See you at the market!