Fertilisation plan

Our approach to on farm fertility is the management of the dynamic between organic matter, minerals, and biology.  We try to create a balanced system based on homemade foliar sprays.

The production of biofertilisers, the reproduction of different types of microorganisms, amendments and different mineral brews are done on the farm with free or very low cost resources. 

We are conducting tests in the orchard and garden to try to measure the effectiveness of this approach. Juanfran Lopez,s detailed results from his Shallot trails are in this PDF. During 2016 we took baseline data of soil minerals, and have measured our trial and control areas regularly over the last 12 months.  This work is ongoing.  However, a soil test does not necessarily indicate that soil minerals are being taken up by the plant or tree. We therefore plan to take leaf tests throughout 2017 in the orchards to monitor mineral deficiencies within the trees in order to correct them if necessary. Please read the PDFs about our orchard management in the side bar for a detailed explanation.

Although the Orchard fertilisation plan looks complex, it is possible to start with a simple general spray plan of one or two preparations, and then develop particular products on farm to suit your needs. 

Our fertilisation plan gives an idea of how you can build up specific minerals using biological sprays. This means that we avoid the use of herbicides. We also avoid the use of copper based fungicides that are used in the management of organic top fruit.

            

  • Permaculture Design Course

    15th - 28th July 2019 at Ragmans Lane Farm

    The Design Course gives you what you can’t get from books: the experience of permaculture design. It centres on a series of practical exercises in which you develop a design for an actual piece of land, either a domestic garden or a smallholding according to your choice, with guidance from your tutor throughout. There’s no better way of learning than by doing, and by the end of the course you will be ready to go home and design your own place for real.

    In addition there are many other relevant topics explored from communication skills to the soil food web. Sessions include shorter desk-top exercises, slide shows, talks and discussions. As well as focusing on permaculture as a design system we also explore it as a guide towards more sustainable living in this time of great change.

    The course is certified by the Permaculture Association of Britain. This is a qualification recognised by the permaculture community internationally.

    Caroline has been teaching permaculture at Ragmans Lane Farm and other centres around the country for several years and originally trained and worked with Patrick Whitefield. Caroline has a background in market gardening, horticulture, smallholding and design and teaches with clarity and experience.

    Matt Dunwell is the owner of Ragmans Lane Farm and a permaculture pioneer in the UK. He has gained experience in many fields over the years and is now focussed on developing holistic management practices with his ‘beyond organic’ juice orchards. He has been teaching permaculture for many years and teaches with engaging knowledge and enthusiasm.

    Save this date - full course information and booking details will be available soon.

    To visit Patrick Whitefield Associates website CLICK HERE

     


    •