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Dear AutoPot Customer,
Firstly we'd like to welcome you to the final edition of the AutoPot & Little Growers newsletter for 2009!
In this issue, we bring you an exclusive Christmas offer, news and updates on recent projects and trials, details of the new additions to the AutoPot range of products and more!
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A Little Something Back from AutoPot this Christmas
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We'd like to thank all of the AutoPot growers again this year - your business is much appreciated. Please remember that if any help or advice this needed in the New Year please let us know by contacting us at the email address(es) provided at he bottom of this newsletter, or via the Contact area of the AutoPot or relevant sites.
As a christmas gift and to thank you, we have included below a christmas gift of 10% discount on the total of any orders made over the christmas period at the AutoPot Online Shop, which may be used as many times as you wish.
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Simply enter the following gift code during the checkout
stages of
ordering and the discount will be applied to the total of your order(s).
Your Christmas Gift Code is: APXMAS09
Please note that failure to enter the gift code during the checkout stages
will result
in no discount being applied to your order.
AutoPot will not apply the 10% discount *after* your order has been placed.
Please note that the Christmas Gift Code is valid until mid-day on 18th December 2009.
This is also the last delivery date.
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Commercial Greenhouse in Thailand
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We have now completed the construction of a 30 meter x 10 meter greenhouse in Klaeng, North East Thailand. The growth rate is quite unbelievable. We are growing many varities of Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Chillies, Thai Jasmine, Melons. The greenhouse also has a 20 meter x 1 meter raised bed completely irrigated with the new AutoPot AQUAbox.
Please click here to view the video taken on the 26th October 2009 showing the plants recently potted up.
The three images of the cucumbers below show the explosive growth over a 22 day period. The plants are now over 3 meters tall, producing an abundance of flowers and fruit.
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Above:
24th October 2009 |
Above:
Explosive cucumber growth in Thailand over a 22-day period
using the AutoPot 2Pot Extension Kit.
(Middle: 6th November 2009 / Right: 18th November 2009) |
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Also in Koh Samui Thailand we have now planted 600 Sweet Coconut trees on a 23,000 sq meter site. The trees will be grown over the next five years with half of the trees irrigated using the new AQUAbox. We will record the data and publish it on the website as we go along. More photos will be added to the AutoPot sites over the years.
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New Distributer
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AutoPot are happy to announce that we have now appointed a new German Distributor, Grow-In-Berlin.
Remember, the Resellers area of the AutoPot website provides location and contact information of our
suppliers and distributers.
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AutoPot Product - AQUAbox
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There have been a few delays with the New AutoPot AQUAbox. However we can now confirm that this product will go on sale in January 2010. As far as we are aware there is nothing like this product available in the market world wide. It is perfect for raised beds, grow bags, boarders, and allotments. Please click here or visit the 3D Animations & Walk-throughs section of the AutoPot website to view the animation of the AQUAbox being used in different situations.
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AutoPot 3D Animations & Walk-throughs
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Over the last several months we have been collating a library of animations for the AutoPot products.
All the animations are now available to view in the Animations area of the AutoPot website (under "Products") or by clicking here.
You will find this information very helpful indeed.
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NEW AutoPot Brochure
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In January 2010 we will be launching the new AutoPot 2010-2011 brochure. The brochure due to global demand will be translated into five languages and made available to you from your local retailer. The brochure will also be available as a download on the website in all five languages (Acrobat/.PDF format).
All the instructions for all the kits are being up-dated and translated into the five languages, these will also be available as downloads at the website.
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Greenhouse Trials 2009 & AirDome Results
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Once again for 2009 we carried out greenhouse trials, all the information can be seen in the Latest News section of the website under the heading Photos and Video Trials 2009 or by clicking here. All in all considering the lack of sun yet again we managed to grow kilos & kilos of tomatoes, lots of chillies and for the first time in my horticultural life I at last mastered the growth of cucumbers. We have also recorded the AirDome trials, although not overly conclusive due to the fact that my garden/greenhouses are mostly in the shade due to large trees all around, however, we did prove that the AirDomes do make a difference This information will be added to the Greenhouse Trials 2009 section.
Next year we will be trialing the products at the head office in Oxford. There will be a new design on trial look out for this as it will offer a complete new dimension to the AutoPot technology.
In the meantime and until the next year have a lovely Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Jason Ralph-Smith - CEO (AutoPot)
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On Little Growers...
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Unfortunately winter has arrived but fear not Little Growers has some helpful hints on what to grow and how to turn your produce into healthy treats to get you through these next few months!
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Winter Crop Advice
While many gardeners consider winter to be a dormant time there is no reason that you can’t enjoy a fruitful and delicious garden even during the coldest months. Depending on your climate, you may also be able to grow these plants without heat in your greenhouse or even outside. You’ll want to make sure that your plants are growing at an appropriate temperature.(To make sure, you may want to purchase an inexpensive Min/Max thermometer.
Many seed companies provide seeds that are developed to perform especially well in the winter climate.
Consider trying these vegetables in your cold-weather polytunnel:
Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Fava Beans, Garlic, Kale, Parsley, Radish, Spinach, Swiss Chard and Turnips.
When growing in the winter, your plants are likely to have different needs than they would have during the summer. Drastically reduce the amount of water you provide; in most cases the first inch or so of soil should be dry before you water again. Also, because growth slows during the winter most plants will require only minimal fertilizer. Most plants will be just fine
without it provided that you have some good organic content in your soil.
While these plants may tolerate cooler temperatures, they may not tolerate low light levels well. Frequent cloudy weather may require the addition of a grow light.
Good luck over the next few months and please keep us updated on your progress.
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 Winter and Christmas Recipes
Here are three recipes perfect for winter crops and to bring cheer to both adults and children at this time of year!
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1) Roasted Beetroot - *For the recipe in full click here;
Ingredients:
6 Unpeeled beets, 3 medium unpeeled red onions, 4 unpeeled whole garlic cloves, sprigs of thyme, 4 tbsp olive oil
For the glaze:
Stock ,2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180C/360F/Gas 4.
Place the beetroot, red onions, garlic, sprigs of thyme and olive oil in a medium-sized roasting tray making sure that the vegetables are well coated in olive oil.
Roast for an hour and a half, until the beetroot feels tender. Peel and slice the cooked vegetables and put to one side.
To make the glaze, place the roasting tray on a medium hob flame and deglaze by adding approximately two tablespoons of stock, the balsamic vinegar and a teaspoon of chopped thyme
Bring this to the boil making sure to stir until the liquid has reduced to a syrupy consistency. Season.
Arrange the beetroot, red onions and garlic on a warmed serving dish and cover in the glaze. Serve immediately.
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2) Vegetable Crisps - *For the recipe in full click here;
Ingredients:
1 Sweet potato, 1 Large carrot, 1 Large parsnip, 3 Small turnips, 2 Medium beetroot, 200g Butternut squash peeled, 1 litre Vegetable oil.
For the Spiced Salt:
1 tbsp Cumin seeds, ½ tbsp Sea salt, 1 tsp Smoked paprika, ½ tsp Black peppercorns, crushed.
Method:
Scrub all the vegetables except the squash, then, with a mandolin or food processor with a slicing attachment, slice all the veg into rounds 1–2mm thick. Slice the beetroot last and keep it separate. Set all the veg aside.
Toast the cumin seeds in a dry frying pan for 1 minute, then crush in a pestle and mortar with the salt, paprika and pepper.
Fill a very large, heavy-based saucepan one third full of oil and heat to 180°C (when a vegetable slice sizzles slowly). Line a large baking tray with kitchen paper. Fry small handfuls of each vegetable for 1–2 minutes at a time until they look frilly and begin to turn gold at the edges. (Fry the beetroot slices last, as they will dye the oil.) Remove with a slotted spoon, then drain on kitchen paper. Sprinkle with a little spiced salt; the crisps will firm up as they cool. They will keep in an airtight tin for up to 3 days
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3) Nutty, Bacony Brussels Sprouts - *For the recipe in full click here;
Ingredients:
6 slices of bacon, cut into one-inch pieces, ½ cup chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved, ½ cup apple juice
Method:
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, until crisp.
Stir in pecans and garlic and cook one minute.
Remove bacon and nuts from pan, using a slotted spoon.
Drain fat from pan and return to heat.
Add olive oil and Brussels sprouts. Cook, stirring for 1 minute.
Stir in apple juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until sprouts are tender.
Gently stir in bacon and pecans and remove from heat.
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Oldfield Infants School Update
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Oldfield Park Infants School in Bath have been busy making great progress with their Little Growers project!
Their poly tunnel has been a brilliant addition to the school and has produced an impressive crop so far. They have grown; 10 tomato plants in an assortment of varieties which have all produced abundant fruit, 2 x butternut squash, aubergines, 2 varieties of cucumber producing numerous fruit and Various chilies and peppers. All the plants have been successful and the fruit and veg has been used by the school cook and either included in recipes or cut up and served as side dishes. We have been informed that the children are now far more inclined to try new things when they have grown the themselves, which is exactly what we are striving for at Little Growers! The raised beds have produced huge onions, sweetcorn, French beans, garlic, raspberries and strawberries. So a huge congratulations to Oldfield, keep up the good work and have a lovely Christmas!
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Maximum Yield Article
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Maximum Yield is a UK Horticultural Magazine and Little Growers features in a three page article in the November Issue. We’re really pleased with the piece and are hopeful for the exposure it will provide to future schools and possible endorsement or funding responses. To view the article please see the Endorsements area of the Little Growers website, which can be found at the right hand side of the homepage!
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On a Closing Note...
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From everyone at Little Growers have a very Happy Christmas and fun new year!
We hope 2010 brings many new school projects, an abundance of healthy produce and further spreading of Little Growers roots throughout the UK and worldwide.
Happy Growing and please feel free to email over any queries, progress updates or thoughts to heather@littlegrowers.co.uk
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