Storm Dave
Gone with the Wind – Storm Dave
Over the Easter Bank Holiday, we received reports that Polytunnel 3 had been badly damaged during Storm Dave.
A member of staff inspected the damage to assess whether the structure could be saved, but unfortunately it was beyond repair.
While we expected the polytunnel would need some maintenance in the short to medium term, we had not anticipated the entire plastic roof being blown away.
Repairs and recovery
We had only just planted our tomato crops and were keen to protect them from frost. After obtaining quotes, Dale Farm Trust covered the repair costs, which ran into five figures. In addition to the plastic sheeting being torn away, the wooden battens used to secure it also required substantial repair and replacement.
We are very grateful to Nigel at National Tunnels for responding so quickly and completing the repairs in such a short time.
Tomato crop update
Our tomato crop is now back under cover and growing well.
We are growing a range of tomato varieties, including:
- Plum tomatoes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red varieties
- Yellow varieties
We will let you know when they are ready.
Tomato recipes
Here are some uses for fresh tomatoes from Olive Magazine.
‘Try our best tomato recipes here to help use up fresh tomatoes. One of our simple tomato recipes is our baked feta with cherry tomatoes and garlic toast, a perfect dish for a summer’s evening out in the garden, or try our creamy Dutch tomato soup when it’s a bit colder out. Then, try our cherry tomato recipes, courgette recipes and runner bean recipes.
We have delicious and colourful tomato salad recipes for all sorts of occasions. Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks even created an especially fresh tomato salad recipe with frozen goat’s cheese for us. Check out our herby tomato slow-cooked squid with olives and tomatoes for an abundance of flavour bursting with ripe tomato sauce.
These recipes use up fresh tomatoes and if you’ve still got some leftover why not try our recipes made with homemade passata’.
Growing Tomatoes
If you want some expert advice for growing your own crop? Learn how to grow your own tomatoes from our friends at Gardeners’ World.
