Welcome
Welcome to Reality Bites Organic Market Gardens.
We are Soil Association certified growers of Organic Vegetables, supplying fresh and delicious organic vegetable boxes in the Warwick, Leamington and Stratford areas.
We first bought our land in 1999 and registered with the Soil Association in July 1999. From July 2001 our first fully certified organic crops were produced on the farm.
We own and farm 6.5 acres of land, near Southam Warwickshire. Our land includes polytunnels erected in 2000 and greenhouses erected in 2004. This was no mean feat; dismantled by us in Tamworth near Birmingham and then erected by ourselves on-site. These protected areas enable us to extend the growing season for many crops. Also it enables us to grow more heat loving plants that do not always succeed in our own temperate climate e.g. aubergines, peppers, chillis, tomatoes and cucumbers.
In total including field crops we grow over 45 different types of vegetables. In all well over 100 different varieties.
Most of the irrigation is done using drip line systems, reducing water waste and therefore is not only environmentally responsible but also helps to keep our water bills down.
All of our sowing, plant raising and weeding is done by hand. This ensures a constant attention to detail; hard work but ensures great results. Machinery is only used for some of the field cultivation, we have a 1959 Fordson Major Tractor and a 1970's Howard rotavator. How about that for re-using and recycling.
It is worth mentioning again that we are certified by the Soil Association as both growers and processors. Legally we must be certified as processors if we are running a box scheme which sells crops that have been bought in, but unlike other box schemes we are certified growers as well, growing a vast majority of veg ourselves.
The Hungry Gap
This period from May to mid June is the time when last years crops have finished and our 2007 new season crops are growing rapidly. It leaves a very limited selection of UK crops available.With our polytunnels and greenhouses we can help to fill this tricky period.
By June everything in your veg box will be grown by us and harvested the morning of delivery(weather permitting), upto and including xmas.At other times of the year the majority of the contents will be grown by us topped up with UK sourced organic crops where poss and some imported crops from our European cousins.
What is organic farming?
Organic farming is based on the idea that a healthy environment significantly benefits crops and the health of those consuming them. Its about respecting natural ecological balances and maintaining the health of the soil and the ecosystems in which crops and livestock are raised.
Good reasons to go organic
It tastes great
It's good for the environment
It preserves the fertility of the soil
It improves water quality
It's good for wildlife
It promotes animal welfare
It's good for you
It doesn't use ingredients that are genetically modified
It supports the rural economy because it is more labour intensive
It is a sustainable agricultural system for the 21st century
The principles of organic farming
Soil fertility - organic farmers maintain the long term fertility of the soil by helping worms, insects and other organisms to flourish. They add nitrogen naturally by growing clover and spreading organic composted manure and seaweed on their fields. Healthy soil means healthy plants!
Rotating crops - organic farmers rotate the types of crops and animals in a field each year. This helps to keep the soil fertile and to prevent the build up of weeds, pests and diseases which can occur if the same crop is planted in the same field each year.
Animal husbandry - organic farmers have high standards of animal welfare which take into consideration the natural behaviour patterns of the animals. The animals range freely outdoors, they are fed on a natural diet and given proper veterinary treatment. Animals are also an important part of an integrated organic farming system as their manure fertilises the fields whose crops they feed on.
Protecting the environment - by avoiding the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides, organic farmers reduce pollution in the soil, waterways and the food chain. Organic farmers encourage natural predators to help control pests rather than using chemicals. No genetically modified (GM) crops or animal feed are permitted.
Promoting wildlife - organic farmers maintain hedgerows, meadows, ponds and other natural habitats on which our wildlife depends. According to the Soil Association, scientific studies show that the number and variety of bird, butterfly and wild plant species tend to be greater on farms that have been organic for some time.
Organic standards - all organic food is produced according to strict organic standards. These standards cover all aspects of food production from animal welfare to wildlife conservation. Organic farms are visited at least once a year by an inspector from a certifying body such as the Soil Association, to check that the standards are being met
