Welcome to the first email post-GDPR implementation, I’m sure you are happy to see the back of all those emails!
Since the last ebulletin, the weather has been very favourable to drive garden centre sales. Normally sales dip somewhat in mid-June once schools holidays start but that dip has not been as significant this year. Nurseries will be happy to see stock levels fall and relieving some of the irrigation and maintenance work. Irrigation pressure will be keenly felt on young stock recently planted.
Bloom in the park was again very well attended with reports of 120,000 visitors. Nurseries attending were positive and happy with sales; it is disappointing, however, to see fewer nurseries selling or exhibiting each year. Perhaps next year we might see the gardens and food offer intermixed more giving a boost to both sectors. I had the good fortune of visiting The Nan O Nagle Centre in Cork City which has some great landscaping, very modern restaurant and great food offer. Ní neart go cur le chéile.
NDP Grant Aid – Irrigation option
DAFM have clarified that in light of many requests from the veg sector in particular, any producer with a current NDP Hort grant approval may apply for a modification request to replace approval items for irrigation and associated equipment (within their allocation amount) for consideration by DAFM. Irrigation infrastructure including wells has been considered for grants previously.
Irrigation
Met Eireann are showing soil moisture deficits are very high, a good amount of rain will be required to address this. With increased demand for irrigation water efficient use is essential-
- Drip irrigation is the most efficient option for long-standing crops ie trees,. check drip lines regularly for blocked drippers or misplaced spaghetti tubes
- Test uniformity of overhead irrigation and address undersupply
- Clean out emitters or nozzles, use a cleaning solution to remove build up algae in pipes etc. clogged heads can be cleaned in dilute acid etc or with a small inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner
- Reduce evaporation (and algae growth) from reservoirs with covers
- The timing for frequent short water intervals early in the day and as required.
- If plants do dry out the use of wetting agents may help to get crops turgid again.
- The shade over tunnels – fleece normally used in the winter will deflect some heat
- Some plants may have to be sacrificed, select low value, least saleable and most inefficient to water
- Some plants never recover if they dry out, the cheapest option may be to recycle them
Safety of your reservoir for your employees, family and trespassers is critical. Use barriers, grab ropes above the surface and provide life buoys.
Last call for flight FR630 to Brussels
3-day study visit to Belgium 10-12th – some spaces still available
10 of the most innovative nurseries in the region
Total cost c.€500
Contact Dónall for details or see the itinerary.
Fertinnowa 
This is a substantial information resource on the topics of irrigation and fertilizers. Its been developed over a number of years with contributions from many European countries. From aquaponics to zooplankton there is plenty of technical advice available.
In the current heat, algae is thriving in water tanks that are exposed to sunlight and have some nutrients.
Algae control on Fertinowa investigating bacteria, blue dyes, aquatic plants and ultrasonic control. Excluding light and or treating with chlorine or a suitable disinfectant will help to resolve the issue but as you can see there are more options available.
