Organic growing is being taken more seriously in this country. A recent headline told its that there were now officially 600 farmers using organic methods. the REPS scheme with EU funding being responsible for recent growth. A young, non farming couple went a month or so ago on a one day course at the Organic Centre, Sraud, Rossinver, Co Leitrim, entitled "Developing an Organic Kitchen Garden", and were impressed.
They were shown how good quality vegetables, fruits and herbs can be grown organically, how pests and diseases can be controlled without using harmful chemicals. Instructions were given on making the most of small tunnel or glass house growing. There are so many different subjects taught here over the period from mid March to November, including "Propagation for a Commercial Vegetable Enterprise", for the professionals or would be professionals, and, for anyone, "Growing Herbs for the Home". There is also "Growing for Restaurants" and a course on the marketing of organic produce.
There is even "Poultry on a Smallholding".
Their information sheets, well set out, give instructions for making a compost heap; what to put in and what not. Also a good piece on soil structure and fertility. What is good, garden compost, and what is good yet slow? Seaweed, by the way, so often used on Aran and other coastal farms, we learn, while being a valuable source of many nutrients and trace elements, gives little humus. Surprise. Had thought seaweed and sand formed a big part of Aran soil. However, all is comparative.
The literature tells you what insecticides are permitted under organic gardening rules: Derris; pyrethrum; Quassta. Notes that herbal sprays can be made from garlic, rhubarb, horseradish. A bit esoteric for some of us amateurs, but the tide is with organics. We will never see all farming all organic again, but it is no longer, if it ever was, a slightly romantic and self indulgent affair. This couple paid £40 each for the 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. course and were well satisfied. The Centre is at 072 54338.