Clean green and very NOW

National Organic Week is here and Kitty Scully gives an overview of what it means to grow straight and true.

THROUGHOUT the week organic producers, retailers and farmers markets’ nationwide will open their doors and farm gates to host events including organic farm walks, cookery demonstrations, BBQs, harvest feasts, complimentary in-store tastings and talks.

National Organic Week is the perfect opportunity to broaden knowledge of organic food production and a great way of tantalising the tastebuds with pure, clean, wholesome Irish organic food.

When it comes to fruit and vegetables, nothing quite beats the taste and flavour of those that are organically home-grown and freshly picked. They’re free of chemicals and packed with nutrients and they literally, do not cost the earth.

Organic gardening is really great fun and the perfect incentive to get out into the elements and connect with the seasons. So when it comes to you and your garden, what exactly does growing organically mean?

WHAT IS ORGANIC GARDENING?

Organic gardening simply aims to create a healthy, living, balanced garden by feeding the creatures in the soil so that they in turn help improve soil structure and fertility.

Healthy soil grows healthy plants, which in turn results in healthy food. It’s also about recycling, so instead of using artificial pesticides and fertilisers, you can compost kitchen, garden and animal waste to make wonderful soil conditioners and plant food.

The added bonus of recyling materials is that you are working with what nature has provided for free. Organic gardens also help to conserve wildlife as they are attractive places for birds and other beneficial creatures.

These in turn keep garden pests under control. The basis of chemical gardening is often that of creating a garden that revolves around knocking Mother Nature off-balance and then adding a bunch of synthetic expensive chemicals to get her groove back. This really is not a very sustainable system by any means.

The bigger picture of organic gardening involves working with nature, encouraging bio diversity and viewing your garden as a small part of a natural, sustainable ecosystem. One of the main tenets of organic gardening is to care for the earth.

“FEED THE SOIL — NOT THE PLANTS”

Once you encourage healthy soil, plants will naturally thrive. Plants depend on soil structure and condition for all their basic needs: water, air and nutrients. The good news is that all soils can be amended and this is where organic matter comes into play.

Adding organic matter improves the texture of any soil as well as attracting and feeding soil organisms that in turn, create nutrients. And what exactly is organic matter?

Organic matter is decaying plant and animal waste and it includes everything from compost, grass clipping, dried leaves, kitchen scraps to farm yard and animal manures and fish meal.

Organic matter is used as a soil amendment or conditioner and can be worked into the soil of a garden or used as a top dressing or mulch.

SLUGS AND SNAILS, PESTS AND DISEASES

Organic gardening doesn’t mean you have to share all your harvests with slugs and critters, but you may have to learn to live with some less than pristine looking plants and produce.

Since your goal is to garden in harmony with nature, sometimes you have to accept the occasional pest in the garden. Your first line of defence should be that of vigilance so inspect your plants regularly for signs of a problem and take action quickly.

Often the root of your pest problem is the fact that your plants are stressed and lacking the resources to defend themselves. This links back to healthy soil once again. Rotations, inter planting and crop diversity are a great way of damage limitation in the organic garden.

Large areas of a single plant may be functional, but they are also the ideal landing strip for interested insects and facilitate losing an entire crop to an infestation.

Many micro-organisms, insects and larger animals are considered beneficial in the organic garden.

So remember that reaching for the spray can every time you see a weed or pest will result in killing off all the beneficial fauna as well.

Instead you need to encourage insects such as bees, ladybirds and hoverflies and slug loving birds, hedgehogs and frogs as all contribute to the balance in your garden and prevent a pest population from becoming a problem.

RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE

There are many elements that can contribute to a healthy organic garden and selecting Irish plants, grown from Irish seed that are suited to your site conditions and climate certainly makes sense.

Plants that are happy with their growing conditions and climate will be healthier and produce more than plants that are stressed. Mulching your garden beds serves multiple purposes in the organic garden.

A good mulch helps to suppress weeds, conserve water, moderate soil temperature, feed the soil, prevent erosion and may even look attractive to boot.

One of the most important things to remember is that nature is cyclical and learning to understand the seasonal changes your plant will go through can help you anticipate problems and revel in success.

Organic gardening is a constantly evolving delightful dance with nature that allows you to be a full participant in your garden.

ATTEND EVENTS

Attending organic events and visiting existing farms and gardens is a great way of broadening your knowledge of organic growing.

There is a host of fantastic events, free of charge, around the country this week — and below are just two: Saturday, Sept 15, 10.30 — 1.00pm Nano Nagle Centre, Ballygriffin, Mallow, Co Cork Farm Open Day with farmers market & demonstrations.

The centre will host a farmer’s market, a selection of local organic, artisanal produce including vegetables, baked goods, plants , herbs, flowers, etc. Traditional skills such as bee keeping, willow basket making, bog oak carving will also be showcased.

There will be ongoing organic food demonstrations, along with tours of Nano Nagle Centre, kitchen garden, tunnels, field scale vegetables, allotments, orchard & hens on the certified organic farm.

The day will also include presentations on the sustainable energy features of the centre and there will be plenty of free tea, coffee & organic treats.

Wednesday, Sept 12: Face your Farmer Event, in Manna Organic Store, Island of Geese, Strand Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Thomas and Claire O’Connor are delighted to celebrate 2012’s National Organic week in their new Manna Organic Store, a fully certified outlet selling fruit, vegetables and wholefoods.

After 5 years of trading, Manna is moving to a larger premises where a cold room will help keep the vegetables from their organic farm in tip top condition.