The Organic College carries out field based research to improve our knowledge of what will work best for us under our local conditions. All of the research is practical, realistic and relevant. Students at the college are able to participate in and instigate research projects.
Garlic
Garlic Trials
The object of the 1998-2000 garlic trials were to find out which varieties of garlic were most suited to organic growing conditions, here in Dromcollogher. Varieties were sourced from Ireland and England and included bulbs that were certified disease and pest free, seed saved organically and bulbs that were bought off the supermarket shelf. As well as the varieties, the times of planting and cultural methods were also on trial. The growing trials and research highlighted sources of seed garlic, the marketing potentials for organic garlic in Ireland, the best varieties to grow and in what condition and also some of the problems that may be encountered without adequate drying and storage practices. Trials were carried out by Richard Todd (Diploma Student) and are ongoing with present students.
Clover Trials
The College farm had trials in establishing clover in grassland. These started in August 1999 and were monitored monthly to see which seeding and grazing method suits our soils.
Tropical Grains
In May 1999 research into the feasibility of growing tropical grains here in Ireland were carried out. The two grains chosen for the trials were Amaranth and Quinoa. They are native to the Andes region of South America. Both grains are highly nutritious and are one of the staple foods in the Andes. They are also common ingredients in foodstuff found in our health food shops. The plants were transplanted in late May/ early June. They grew successfully even though there was a lot of rainfall last summer. The plants were harvested in early September, dried and sieved to remove the grain. Overall the results achieved were satisfactory showing that both of these crops would be a good option for organic growers.
(Trials were carried by Grace Maher (Diploma Student))
“Cluain Chumhra – Fragrant Meadow”
June 2003 saw the launch of “Cluain Chumhra – Fragrant Meadow” a full colour herb book combing folklore with growing techniques for some 25 herbs and 10 trees.
Two of the books authors – Jim McNamara and Jenny Allen are directly linked to the college. It can be purchased through the college for €10 and €1.50 for postage and packaging.
Research
The Organic College carries out field based research to improve our knowledge of what will work best for us under our local conditions. All of the research is practical, realistic and relevant. Students at the college are able to participate in and instigate research projects.
Garlic
The object of the 1998-2000 garlic trials were to find out which varieties of garlic were most suited to organic growing conditions, here in Dromcollogher. Varieties were sourced from Ireland and England and included bulbs that were certified disease and pest free, seed saved organically and bulbs that were bought off the supermarket shelf. As well as the varieties, the times of planting and cultural methods were also on trial. The growing trials and research highlighted sources of seed garlic, the marketing potentials for organic garlic in Ireland, the best varieties to grow and in what condition and also some of the problems that may be encountered without adequate drying and storage practices. Trials were carried out by Richard Todd (Diploma Student) and are ongoing with present students.
Clover Trials
The College farm had trials in establishing clover in grassland. These started in August 1999 and were monitored monthly to see which seeding and grazing method suits our soils.
Tropical Grains
In May 1999 research into the feasibility of growing tropical grains here in Ireland were carried out. The two grains chosen for the trials were Amaranth and Quinoa. They are native to the Andes region of South America. Both grains are highly nutritious and are one of the staple foods in the Andes. They are also common ingredients in foodstuff found in our health food shops. The plants were transplanted in late May/ early June. They grew successfully even though there was a lot of rainfall last summer. The plants were harvested in early September, dried and sieved to remove the grain. Overall the results achieved were satisfactory showing that both of these crops would be a good option for organic growers.
(Trials were carried by Grace Maher (Diploma Student))
“Cluain Chumhra – Fragrant Meadow”
June 2003 saw the launch of “Cluain Chumhra – Fragrant Meadow” a full colour herb book combing folklore with growing techniques for some 25 herbs and 10 trees.
Two of the books authors – Jim McNamara and Jenny Allen are directly linked to the college. It can be purchased through the college for €10 and €1.50 for postage and packaging.