The summer months are the time of abundance in the garden and despite the appalling weather conditions most crops have done okay.

The weather is one of the primary factors affecting growing conditions in any one year. It's one of the reasons you should always record the weather in your garden over the entire season.

Potatoes

The awful weather in June and current wet weather combined with humidity has favoured blight. To avoid blight grow earlies or in the case of Main Crop spuds go for varieties that exhibit blight resistance e.g. Sarpo vars. The blight hit so early this year that it took us unawares and even if we had been on the ball there was not one day where one could spray during the danger period. Damage limitation involves taking the stems back to just below ground level if the blight is really bad. Where infection is light remove individual leaves. You must remove all infected material from your growing area in airtight bags and dispose of it.

Tomatoes

The lack of sun has meant the tomatoes are late to ripen, it is also important to remember that as a member of the potato family they too can be affected by blight, so if you have toms keep an eye out for blighty spots on the leaves and remove as soon as you see them.

On the subject of tomatoes and other crops grown under protection such as cucumbers and peppers you must remember to feed them. This needn't cost a fortune in proprietary feeds. Nettles, comfrey, seaweed (a dustbin full) soaked in water for up to 2 weeks will provide a nutritious feed when diluted to a solution of weak tea

Leafy Veg

Leafy veg such as lettuce and spinach have done very well, in the current climatic conditions. However you do need to check basal leaves for rots and remove to improve air circulation.

Legumes

Peas and beans are another set of crops that may have been affected . Runner and French beans hate damp cool conditions and generally won't do well if conditions continue as they are. A common problem for peas and broad beans is a fungal disease called chocolate spot, it start as a series of small brown spots, visible on the pods and gradually extending to the whole plant. Unless the disease is really bad the eating quality generally isn't affected.

Cucumber family

However crops such as courgettes, cucumbers squash and pumpkin are doing surprisingly well. Just watch for moulds. Remove any mouldy growth as soon as you spot it.

Weeds

The weeds of course just love this weather and weeding in wet conditions is never easy as one tends to pull a lot of soil with the unwanted plant. Try and shake excess soil off as best you can and return to the vegetable bed.

Pests

Normally late summer is a time when you can forget about the slugs however they've been having a ball as have the caterpillars. There is an organically approved slug pellet Ferramol. It is based on iron phosphate and degrades as such. Only use it if you have to, in any organic system of gardening we must limit the use of any additives, when used judiciously as opposed to broad spectrum they are very effective. Squash the caterpillars or if you're squeamish pick them off and remove them far away from your edibles

Sowing for continuity

Many who are new to gardening may not realise that you can continue sowing crops to harvest in late autumn. Sow loose leaf lettuce such as green and red salad bowl, oriental greens such as rocket and mizuna and now is a good time to sow coriander as it is much less likely to bolt in late summer into autumn. A last sowing of perpetual spinach could also be made. As the days shorten into September growth will be considerably slower but if you sow these crops now you will have pickings into October

Harvesting

Keep harvesting, crops that require regular picking would be things such as peas, beans courgettes, calabrese, generally crops that produce the edibles from their flowering parts need regular harvesting to stimulate further harvestable material.

If you are in the lucky position to be overwhelmed by all your produce, start preserving by blanching and freezing. Make pestos from your herbs if you have them, throw them into pasta and a very simple fresh dinner is at your finger tips.

Due to the wonderful weather in April fruit has done incredibly well, harvest at will all the bush fruits - blackcurrants redcurrants, gooseberries. Strawberries are finished at this stage, if you have fruit really enjoy it now, make mousses summer puddings, jams etc.

Think Seasonal, cook what you have NOW and really enjoy the freshness that brings!!!!

Thanks are due to Ingrid Foley, Gardener at the Organic Centre for assistance in the compilation of this article

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE ORGANIC CENTRE

August is a busy month in Rossinver with the following courses on offer:

Saturday 25th August - Organic Gardening in Schools - Mushroom Hunting

Sunday 26th August - Mushroom Identification

On the Weekend of 11th and 12th August the Organic Centre hosts a Slow Food Celebration. 'Slow Food' was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life and the disappearance of local food traditions. There will be a sumptuous choice of local foods on offer including beer and cider tastings as well as talks and information on slow food. Admission is Euro 28 giving you food vouchers and access to all events - highly recommended! To learn more about slow food visit www.slowfoodireland.com

For more information please call the Organic Centre on 00353 719854338 or email editor@fermanaghherald.com.