Growing our own

In line with Fir Farm’s objective to be as sustainable as possible, Fir Farm’s Head Gardener, Jon Heath, has been busy building his dream green house.

Jon Heath, Fir Farm’s Head Gardener, has been growing organic plants and vegetables for most of his life. In October 2022, he was able to take this to a whole new level with the completion of a Keder Greenhouse in a corner of Fir Farm land. It’s purpose? Simply to grow a plentiful supply of native breed trees, plants and hedges for the farm and beyond and where possible, avoid buying seedlings altogether.

The extremely durable, cellular clad greenhouse is divided into several distinct areas, whose temperatures and humidity can all be carefully controlled and monitored depending on the species being grown. Three tonnes of home grown compost have helped provide top dressing for the beds. Vegetables and salad plants will be prioritised with a view to prolong their growing season. Bedding plants and flowers will also be grown for the farm as well as neighbouring estates, to provide income to cover the greenhouse running costs. Jon is hoping that any excess plants can be sold locally alongside the Fir Farm milk.

Next to the greenhouse, a standing out area has been created for when the young saplings are ready to acclimatise.

In January an enormous 7,500 litre rainwater harvesting tank (which would not look out of place in an art gallery) was installed next to the greenhouse, enabling fresh rainwater to be used to irrigate the structure.

This is a long term project but seeds have started germinating and shoots have sprung up. Spring is definitely around the corner…

If you would like to know more information about this project, please do contact us here.