Garden Club hears story of organics

Frank described how his family had taken over, restored and expanded the garden which specialises in the production of organically grown vegetables and herbs.

As a proponent of biodynamic horticulture, a particular form of organic gardening, he described how plants can be grown successfully without the use of chemical fertilisers, and pests controlled without employing chemical insecticides.

He emphasised that the key to building up soil fertility was the incorporation of organic matter in the form of compost which was produced on site.

Crop rotation was used to prevent nutrient depletion and build up of disease and pests in the soil.

Where possible disease resistant varieties of plants were selected and plants were grown in association with other plants which discouraged pests such as aphids.

During question time Frank gave members tips on compost making along with names of varieties of vegetables and herbs which had proved popular with his customers.

The Club’s next meeting will be held on MondaY, November 1, at 7.30 pm at Houston’s Mill, Broughshane, when Hugh Keery will give a talk on “Plants and Places” visiting Hong Kong, Sydney, New Zealand and Singapore.