Thursday 27 November 2014

Pruning apple trees course



Beginning in January 2015 we will be offering pruning apple tree courses here at The Orchard, Redmoor Fruit Farm, Redmoor Lane, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

This hands-on pruning course is held in our traditional 8 acre orchard with apple trees of various ages, from mature Bramleys between 50 and 100 years old to the youngest tree planted in 2014.

What will I learn?

You'll learn, through theory, demonstrations and practical hands-on experience the necessary skills and expertise to prune apple trees. The techniques you learn will enable you to care for young, newly planted trees, keep mature trees healthy and productive and to "renovate" old trees.

Who is the course for?

The pruning apple trees course is for anyone over 16 who wants to learn about pruning fruit trees. No previous experience is necessary. To get the best out of the course you will need to be physically able to have a go at pruning one of our trees under the guidance of your tutor, this can involve the use of ladders but doesn't have to as we have plenty of smaller trees that can be worked on from the ground.

The majority of the course will take place outside in the orchard so you'll need to be prepared for the weather by wearing outdoor clothes and bringing wellingtons and waterproofs in case of rain.

Course content

Meet at The Orchard Tea Room at 10am for a 10.30 start
Introductions over tea or coffee
A look at tools and equipment
Theory of pruning explained during practical demonstrations in the orchard
Lunch in our tea room: Delicious homemade soup & sandwich freshly prepared from local produce served with a pot of tea.
"have a go" at pruning under supervision
3.30pm tea and cake and the chance to ask as many questions as you like.

Tools

To prune trees you'll need a pair of good quality secateurs and a pruning saw, a pair of loppers are also useful. Please bring what you have along on the day.

Cost

The cost of the apple pruning course, including morning coffee, homemade lunch, tea and cake, is £60 per person.

Dates

7th January 2015
14th January 2015
21st January 2015
28th January 2015
4th February 2015
11th February 2015
18th February 2015
25th February 2015

Other dates available, including weekends, by special request, just ask.


Book a course

Booking is easy, simply email us your name, address, telephone number and email address along with your preferred date and we'll send you a confirmation email along with an invoice, we do ask for payment in advance.


Our Pruning Apple Trees Course makes a great gift

If you'd like to give our Pruning Apple Trees Course as a present please let us know in your email, upon receipt of payment we will send you a gift certificate for giving.


Thursday 13 November 2014

Marrow Chutney


One of our customers gave us a jar of this Marrow Chutney to try, it was delicious so we asked for the recipe to share with you all:

Marrow Chutney

2.5 kg marrow
1 kg red peppers
1 litre ketchup (passata )
200 ml vegetable oil
100 ml sugar
100 ml white vinegar
1 tsp salt

1. Peel and remove seeds from the marrow. Slice (0.5cm) and cut into chunks.
2. Cut de-seeded peppers into strips.
3. Mix marrow, peppers, ketchup, oil, sugar and salt in a pan. Put on mdeium heat and stir occasionally, until the marrow softens. Then add vinegar and cook for further 10 minutes.
4. Pour into prepared glass containers and cover with lids.