John and Mary Reilly from Fawn on the outskirts of Cudaff know the importance of growing organic vegetable as part of a healthy diet. Over the last few years they have made a name for themselves around Inishowen by growing fresh seasonal produce for sale direct from their farm, through shops and in vegetable box deliveries supplied by the North West Organics. It seems hard to believe that up to 90% of food is thrown away from production to the plate in conventional supermarket systems and non-composting techniques. I paid John and Mary a visit this week at their organic farm to see first hand how they organise the land and get the best out of the growing season.
Looking good
John likes to play with planning ideas every year to make the vegetable garden visually interesting as well as productive. The straight lines of healthy looking carrots, cabbages and blight resistant spuds in the large beds are living in harmony with artistically planted clumps of lettuce and unworked areas of wild flowers that help to support a myriad of insects. This diversity ensures that the balance of nature keeps down any potential pests without the use of chemicals.
Tomatoes in the tunnel
The space in the tunnels is used all year round thanks to John’s careful planning. “We use crop rotation on the beds in the tunnels as well as outside” says John with a light-hearted enthusiasm he gives to all of his visitors. When one crop of lettuce has gone, something else will go in its place. We also interplant the crops. Sweetcorn, which we are testing this year, takes up a lot of room so we are planting beetroot underneath to utilise every bit of space”.
Air supply
In one of the tunnels there are some really healthy looking tomato plants. John keeps the air and humidity constant, having adapted the doorways of the tunnel. He demonstrated the detachable panels to me. “I use more netting to keep the temperature from getting too high as the midday rays hit the plastic. Panels along the front and back are opened and closed to regulate the heat. Keeping a regular air flow is important to avoid any fungal disease”.
Growing tips
John gave me a little tip for getting the fruit to ripen faster. “If you are in a hurry to start eating the tomatoes, pick and store them in a dark place such as a sock drawer, then put in an apple or a banana. The chemical reaction will turn the tomatoes red in a matter of days.” John has a lot of information on polythene tunnels. “It is important to get the right tunnel for your requirements. I would be happy to give anyone advice on which type to choose”
Crop rotation
Crop rotation is vital in the organic garden to keep soil borne pests and disease from taking hold. I find the discipline quite difficult in my own garden because I tend to forget where I plant things. John doesn’t write things down either but he manages to keep a precise record of everything that is planted in both the tunnels and the outside beds – in his head…
Just how he does this, I don’t know, but however his manages this, it works. “ I sow crops such as scallions on a weekly basis, this makes sure that we have a constant supply to send to the North West Organic Group, the Farm shop in Moville and Mr Boggs the butcher in Malin town. This also makes sure that we have enough for the customers that call to the house. I also sow lettuce, rocket, beetroot, spinach and other salad crops in the same way”. Sowing in succession is an art in itself and it ensures that the customers are always getting the young, fresh crops. I asked John how did he manage to be so organised. “I have weekly sowings, he says, showing me the multi cell trays of fresh new plants. It’s simple and it works.” I must try it myself….
Country market
John and Mary are at the Country Market in Buncrana every other Saturday. The next market is on the 26th of this month.
More information
If you are interested in the idea of getting fresh organic vegetables collected from the farm, then contact John and Mary through their website http://greenhill.weebly.com or phone Mary on 086 327 3315.
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