Homes & Gardens Creating
Home-Grown Food Security
GARDENING columns that are based on seasons and weather forecasts are doomed for failure. Earlier this year, long-range forecasts didn't predict that April was destined to become the wettest on record - nor March the third warmest. When climate change first hit the news it was generally
referred to as global warming. Our planet is warming and the increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather is decimating crops all around the globe. Gardeners can, to an extent, control what happens in their plots by creating wind barriers and increasing the provision of water storage facilities to offset hosepipe bans. Multiplying many times over the complexity of the problems that beset the private gardener gives an indication of the serious impact on farming. The way things are going, plants that are tough and can
tolerate changeable conditions are destined to become gardeners' 'big buys' of the future and it would be sensible to start doing homework on this sooner, rather than later. The overuse of the word sustainability can trivialise underlying challenges. Gardeners are probably too savvy not to foresee the implications, thus more and more are taking greater control of their own 'food security' - another
buzz phrase - by producing homegrown fruit and vegetables. Long-term predictions indicate increased global food shortages and, because market prices continue to be driven by supply and demand, we are beginning to see notable price hikes as what we want exceeds what is available. Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, Hadlow College's financial director, said: "'Grow your own' benefits both health and bank balance and, with interest in food high on the agenda and the economy stressed, more and more people are taking up the challenge'. Specialist shops and most supermarkets stock excellent
ranges of prepared salad leaves - but they are not cheap and yet are easy to grow. Try Suttons' Leaf Salad French Mix (rocket, chervil and radicchio), which can be container- grown and ready-to-pluck in just three weeks. Supplied by Pat Crawford for Hadlow College.
Enjoy your terrace
whatever the weather Verandas, Patio Roofs, Awnings
When you need shelter from the sun, rain or frost we have the solutions. Do you need more covered space, want to protect your expensive garden furniture with out the hassle of storing it away. Illuminate your deck or patio with integrated spot lights and add instant heat with infra red heating solutions.
SBI has a range of top quality products that will add style sophistication and value to your property. If you want to use a local family run company that believes in traditional service and has been trading since 1998 with thousands of satisfied customers throughout the South East look no further.
Design, Build & Planning Renovations Refurbishment Loft Conversions
New Builds Extensions
Commercial and Residential
All our tradesmen are skilled, qualified operatives. All work is guaranteed and certified
Cravencroft Limited, Boughton Bottom Farmhouse Lower Farm Road, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4DD
01622 749942 / 07810 880227
info@cravencroft.com
www.cravencroft.com
Cravencroft creates innovative, contemporary products using traditional construction values.
We specialise in producing energy efficient and eco-friendly projects incorporating the latest innovations and energy saving concepts. we will work with you to create concepts which are kind to the environment-and to your timescale and budget.
German manufactured remote controlled awnings, retractable roof blinds & vertical screens Mid Kent Living 37
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48