Can’t keep the old sods down
Just like a stubborn grass sod in the veggie patch that won’t turn over- it’s Ian Gomersall here to guide you through the maze of all things in the garden.
It’s fantastic to be in the horticultural hot seat in the Inishowen Independent. Of course this gardening page isn’t just about me, (as much as I would like to think it is!)- it’s about all of us in the peninsula who have an interest in gardening.
The strength of this column will be your participation, to increase our gardening knowledge and keep in touch with each other’s progress. And of course we need lots of lovely photos to show off the local gardens
I am also planning to recruit the elite of the Inishowen gardening world to share their gems of gardening wisdom. Remember there is no such thing as a silly question……Well actually there is….. When your child can’t find something have you ever said, “Well WHERE did you lose it?…now that is a silly question!
Paddy MCartney from Greencastle is a wealth of information in the garden
Do you dig it?
There is one job in the garden that I am always reluctant to do and that’s digging. I always felt that this was a totally unnecessary pursuit and so do some people who practise Permaculture (or the No Dig Policy). Now with all of the eco awareness that has hit the nation we find that tilling the veggie patch actually releases a large quantity of carbon dioxide. Soil actually releases 10 times more CO2 than we humans do. This contributes towards global warming. So now I have a great reason to leave the soil alone! After saying that don’t let this put you off of digging if that is what you enjoy, it is great exercise after all -although a bit heavy on the back.
Dig away if you like but I am taking it easy!
Getting to know your garden
When the sun shines we are all tempted to rush down to the garden centre to buy new plants. It is important that before you part with your money that you know your garden, especially if you have moved into a new house. There are some important facts to consider. Does the garden have shelter? What sort of soil do you have? What is the drainage like? And of course, what direction does it face? Don’t despair if your garden is north facing as even these should get some sun during the day and there are plenty of shade loving plants to choose from. Over the coming weeks we will look at how to get to know your garden so you can get the most out of it and not throw your money away on unsuitable plants.
Growing in Confidence
Are you a member of an Inishowen group looking for a healthy project?
The Organic Centre in Rossinver re-launched its ‘Growing in Confidence’ Community Food Project in March 2007, with funding support from HSE West and the Department of Agriculture and Food. The idea of the project is to set up small community gardens. The initiative so far has involved parents managing a tight budget, asylum seekers, older people, people with disabilities.
Participants, under the guidance of an experienced organic gardening mentor, learn to grow their own organic vegetables, and learn to prepare and cook healthy, fresh produce.
Community-based organic gardens help promote organic gardening skills, awareness of healthy eating,physical activity and of course there is the social side. All that you need to get involved is a parcel of secure land and plenty of drive and enthusiasm.
For more information contact me or check out the Organic Centre web site.
