From veg growing workshops to a new food hall, find out what some of our members are up to
The Veg Patch – now offering one day courses on how to grow your own vegetables
Meet veteran veg growers Merv and Michelle
“We’ve been growing our own vegetables for over forty years. More recently we started growing our own produce to provide a Veg Box Scheme to local customers. Over this time we’ve learned a lot and we continue to learn as we adapt to shifts in seasons and unpredictable weather. This year we’ve decided that we would like to share our knowledge. We are offering one day courses to encourage people to pick up a packet of seeds, tear off the top and start their journey to becoming self sufficient!“
Topics covered include:
- Site and aspect
- How to get the most from your garden or even your windowsill
- Soil preparation, drainage and fertility, soil food web
- Style of gardening
- Propagation and methods that are environmentally sound (how to avoid using plastics)
- Crop rotations
- Companion planting
- Transplanting
- Disease and pest control
- Composting
- Tools of the trade
- Encouraging biodiversity
- How to garden while avoiding chemicals and pesticides
- Upcycling and innovative methods of gardening that reduce labour
Mervyn and Michelle of The Veg Patch, will also share valuable tips and their favourite sources for information and inspiration, which have helped them to push their boundaries. You will learn about workabouts, triumphs and catastrophies and the benefits that accrue. For more information visit www.thevegpatch.net or Call Mervyn on 0872361508.
Workshop numbers will be kept small to allow ample opportunity for quality one-on-one ear bending.
April 4th, 11th, 18th, 2020, 10am-5pm, lunch included. The Veg Patch, Effernoge, Ferns, Co Wexford
Coolanowle Foodhall – new foodie haven in Carlow town
A farm to fork enterprise
The Mulhall family have a strong background in food and hospitality with their organic farm and country house on the Carlow/Laois border. The family enterprises, that employ over 20 staff as well as 7 members of the Mulhall family, have grown over the years to produce a full farm to fork experience in their new venture in Carlow town, in Coolanowle FoodHall.
Organic butcher counter and bistro with local produce
Their newest venture, Coolanowle Foodhall on Dublin Street, is managed by daughter Lucille and provides a permanent home for Jimmy’s organic butcher counter. The Foodhall comprises a deli-cafe, artisan retail outlet, organic butchers and upstairs is Bistro 7, a daytime restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and tasty treats throughout the day. Using organic and local ingredients the menu has everything from light bites to organic burgers and the popular Budda Bowl. The Foodhall has a strong ethos of local and sustainable food production and supports many small and local food producers. Open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am until 5.30pm the Mulhalls are looking forward to introducing you to their new foodie heaven.
Award winning bone broth and other news from Magner’s Farm
Another award for Magner’s chicken bone broth
Hot on the heels of a Chef’s Choice Award from Blas na hEireann in 2018, Magner’s Farm Chicken Bone Broth has done it again with a Great Taste Gold Star, awarded last summer. Congratulations Kylie and Billy. Cooked in very small batches – the broth uses only grass fed chicken, locally grown organic vegetables and seaweed. It’s tasty enough to drink on it’s own and gives a real flavour punch to any dishes you might use stock for. Pasta sauces, gravy, soups, risotto – even mashed potato! Stocked in the Gourmet Butcher in Clonmel, Ardkeen Food Stores in Dove Hill, Health & Harmony and by special order via the Magner’s Farm website.
Hen adoption anyone?
Did you know most commercial hens lay for 12 months before they are classified as “spent”. The Magner’s farm philosophy is to be as resourceful as possible with all of the inputs into the farm and that includes the hens. Kyle explains “Our first batch of hens have just finished 24 months in service and we managed to re-home most of them. Please let us know if you want to be kept in mind for future hen adoptions. Our hens have been fed on an organic diet – both grass and pellets – and will arrive in the picture of health.”
