Runner Beans GIY Ireland

Weekly Column- Runner Beans #24 2016

Published: Jun 14, 2016    By: Shona Dubois

Incredibly prolific, incredibly attractive looking, and easy to grow. Runner Beans plants will grow up to 10ft tall and a row of them growing up a cane wigwam will make a great feature in the summer vegetable patch. The beans themselves are tasty and freeze well. The only downside in fact to runner beans is that you will have to pick them every other day in the summer months – so don’t be tempted to sow too many of them! A single plant will produce up to a kilo of beans.

Sowing
Seeds can be sown direct in the soil or in module trays ready for transplanting. A disadvantage of the former is that slugs can get at the seedlings before they get a chance to get established. A disadvantage of the latter is that they can quickly outgrow their module tray so when they are ready to plant out, they are REALLY ready to plant out! Sow seeds in May, in pots, 5cm deep. There’s no point in sowing too early as they will be ready to transplant when the weather outside is too cold for them. You can sow an early crop in the polytunnel or greenhouse if you wish.

Growing
Plant three or four seedlings at the base of each cane - they seem to fare better when growing together like this. Tie them loosely to the support. They will very soon take hold and start to wind their way up the support at a rate of knots. Hoe around the plants regularly to suppress weeds. Water regularly in dry weather particularly when the flowers start to form. Mulch around the plants if it’s very dry. Pinch out the growing tips when they reach the top of the support.

Harvesting
It takes about 3 months to get the first crop, but once it starts, you won’t be able to keep up. Try to pick the beans while they are young – they get stringy as they get older. The more you pick, the more it will churn out.

Recommended Varieties
Enorma, Scarlet Emperor.

Problems
Runner beans are generally problem free. Slugs are a problem for seedlings – seems they absolutely love them.

GIY Tips
1. Older beans have strings down both sides which are unpleasant to eat; cut them off. Slice beans and fry or boil them. They can also be blanched and frozen.
2. Bear in mind that the plants get incredibly heavy, make sure the support structure is solid.

Horizon 2020 public consultation

Please circulate and share widely through your networks.

I would like to inform you that the public consultation on Horizon 2020 - Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine and Maritime and Inland Water Research and the Bioeconomy- Work Programme 2018-2020 is open from 06 June until 28 August:

http://ec.europa.eu/research/consultations/sc2-wp2018-2020/consultation_en.htm

The purpose of the open public online consultation is to collect the views and opinions on the what the strategy, scope, objectives, and expected impacts of the Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 2 Work Programme 2018-2020 should be.   

The objective of Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 2 is "to secure sufficient supplies of safe, healthy and high quality food and other bio-based products, by developing productive, sustainable and resource-efficient primary production systems, fostering related ecosystem services and the recovery of biological diversity, alongside competitive and low-carbon supply, processing and marketing chains. This will accelerate the transition to a sustainable European bioeconomy, bridging the gap between new technologies and their implementation". 

All citizens and organisations are welcome to contribute to this consultation.  Contributions are particularly sought from civil society organisations, businesses, research institutions, policy makers, higher education institutions, science museums, science shops, scientific centres of excellence, local public authorities, cities of scientific culture, innovators and entrepreneurs (non-exhaustive list).

Contributions to the present consultation will feed into preparation of the next Societal Challenge 2 Work Programme 2018-2020.  The Commission expects to develop the content of Work Programme 2018-2020 during the fourth quarter of 2016 and first semester 2017, with adoption and publication of calls for proposals in the autumn of 2017.

For any questions specific question on the consultation please contact the EU Commission: EC-SC2-CONSULTATION@ec.europa.eu. 

For any other questions regarding Irelands participation in SC-2 of Horizon 2020 please contact the relevant Irish National Contact Point:Patrick.Barrett@agriculture.gov.ie

?         A non exhaustive list of relevant policy documents that may be of use as a guide:

?         SC-2

?         Bioeconomy

?         EIP-AGRI

?         Agri and Food research policy

?         SCAR: Standing Committee on Agricultural Research.

?         JPI HDHL strategy

?         EU Agri Research Strategy

?         JRC Global food Security 2030

Kind regards,

Patrick

PATRICK BARRETT

National Contact Point - Horizon 2020 - Societal Challenge 2

 
Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine
Research, Food & Codex Coordination
Research & Codex Division

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Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

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An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara

Tá an t-eolais san ríomhphost seo, agus in aon ceangláin leis, faoi phribhléid agus faoi rún agus le h-aghaigh an seolaí amháin. D’fhéadfadh ábhar an seoladh seo bheith faoi phribhléid profisiúnta nó dlíthiúil. Mura tusa an seolaí a bhí beartaithe leis an ríomhphost seo a fháil, tá cosc air, nó aon chuid de, a úsáid, a chóipeál, nó a scaoileadh. Má tháinig sé chugat de bharr dearmad, téigh i dteagmháil leis an seoltóir agus scrios an t-ábhar ó do ríomhaire le do thoil.

Heritage News From Conor Nelligan

HERITAGE TOURS IN YOUGHAL:

Heritage is on the up and up in Youghal. A heritage led plan for the town is nearing completion, the infamous Clock Gate Tower is expected to be open to the public later in 2016, and now, walking tours of St. Mary's Collegiate Church are available at 11:00 am and 14:30 pm each day, Tuesday to Sunday. St. Mary's is a magnificent 13th century church and the tour is a most memorable one, getting an insight into the fascinating history of Youghal and its key historic names including Sir Walter Raleigh and Cork's 1st Earl, Richard Boyle. See the attached flier for more information.

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THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF NORTH CORK – FOCUS ON CHRISTIAN SITES

Cork County Council is examining the possibility of developing an archaeological/heritage package for the North Cork area relating to the Christian sites in the area that are accessible by the public. The area would stretch from the Nagle Mountains to the County Boundary in the north east and west. The intention is to develop a package of Christian sites that would be of interest, both to locals and tourists alike, and sites will include churches; graveyards, thatched chapels, mass rocks, abbeys, holy wells and a range of other such sites. Cork County Council is particularly interested in sites that are (a) publicly accessible (b) have an interesting story to tell (c) are attractive to both the national and international visitor and (d) that may have an interesting historical figure associated with the site/story. Cork County Council would greatly appreciate any and all observations/details/recommendations from the public to be emailed to cork.heritage@corkcoco.ie

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HERITAGE COUNCIL GRANTS ANNOUNCED

Close to 400 applications were received by the Heritage Council under this year's Heritage Management Grant Scheme. Of these, 171 applicants were successful, resulting in an overall allocation of €880,346. The County of Cork saw six successful projects, an overall boost of €38,400 to heritage in the County. Successful projects included a conservation plan for church and graveyard in Inchigeela, Conservation works at Donnybrook House, conservation of the wooden ship deck of the ILEN Vessel, conservation of Bandon's King Billy Flag, a conservation report for the Allin Institute Community Building in Bandon and a conservation plan for the O' Daly bardic school on the Sheep's Head peninsula.

TOO BEAUTIFUL FOR THIEVES AND PICKPOCKETS – NEW BOOK ON SPIKE ISLAND

A new book by Cal McCarthy and Barra O'Donnabhain on the history of the Victorian convict prison on Spike Island constitutes a major addition to the body of knowledge about this institution and the prevailing social, political and economic conditions of the period. It is the culmination of a number of years' research, informed both by official historical records and on-site archaeological excavations and provides a comprehensive overview of the lives and times of an infamous penal institution. For almost four decades the Victorian prison on Spike Island was home to Ireland's most serious and notorious criminals. Established in the midst of one of the worst famines in global history, this huge facility became the largest prison in what was then the United Kingdom, dwarfing institutions like Dartmoor, Pentonville, Mountjoy and Kilmainham. High death rates during its formative years meant that many of its malnourished inmates were laid to rest beneath its sod. Yet Spike Island was to become a beacon of penal reform, influencing modern correctional systems in countries as far apart as the USA and Germany. Although Spike Island's position in Cork Harbour made it ideal for use as a prison, this is not a Cork story, but rather an Irish story, based in Cork, and one with a significant international dimension. Spike Island was the point where individual stories from all over Ireland were woven together. Moreover, its ripples were felt well beyond the shores of Ireland, as it formed part of a penal system that sent convicts right around the world. Even after transportation to Australia and other destinations ended, most prisoners were encouraged to emigrate to the United States upon release. The story told in this book is one that is, in turn, dramatic, shocking, touching and humorous. The life of the prison was vibrant, peopled by the unfortunate of society alongside those who committed serious, sometimes gruesome, crimes. This is the story of the establishment and evolution of the prison, the often fascinating lives of prisoners and staff and of a time when a renowned Irish fortress of British military power entered the annals of penal infamy. Too Beautiful for Thieves and Pickpockets: a history of the Victorian Convict Prison on Spike Island is published by Cork County Library and Arts Service and will be available to purchase from Liam Ruiséal, the Bantry Bookshop, O'Mahony's Booksellers, Kenny's of Galway (www.kennys.ie) and other good bookshops from 11th May 2016.

CENTENARY SITES OF COUNTY CORK PUBLICATION

The County of Cork has a wealth of historically important sites - places with associated events and people - that have collectively shaped the County's heritage as a whole, particularly with regard to the defining years of the Irish Nation. Throughout our past, many of these sites, or indeed the associated events and people, have been commemorated locally through the erection of crosses, plaques, memorials and monuments.

Following on from the success of the Heritage of County Cork Publication Series (which received a citation of excellence in the 2015 Local Government Awards), the latest installation in the series sets out to document these important sites in the County, telling Cork's story in the formative years of the Irish Nation, both before, during and after the Easter Rising of 1916, including the War of Independence and Civil War.

In undertaking this publication, and to add wonderfully to its overall scope and content, the Heritage Unit of Cork County Council is asking groups and individuals from throughout the County of Cork, to submit details of the associated sites, events and people near them.

As such, if there are any commemorative/centenary related sites in your area that you feel would warrant inclusion in the publication, the Heritage Unit would be delighted to receive any related details/stories/photos, which can be emailed toconor.nelligan@corkcoco.ie and/or cork.heritage@corkcoco.ie. The spreadsheet available here sets out the information required and more information can be obtained by ringing 021 4285905. All submissions will be given due consideration and it is anticipated that a significant number will feature in the publication.

Should you be interested in engaging with the Heritage Unit of Cork County Council on this project please submit any and all comments, details and photos by Friday 24th June 2016. A sincere thank you to those groups and individuals who have already been in touch.

REGISTER AN EVENT FOR NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK (August 20th to 28th2016)

To date this year in the County of Cork, over 250 commemorative centenary events, organised by close to 200 community groups, have already taken place. This summer will see hundreds of further such events, particularly between the dates of August 20th and 28th - National Heritage Week. The Theme for Heritage Week this year is One Hundred Years of Heritage, a most fitting perspective, given the year that is in it. Last year in Cork, 2015, over 170 events took place throughout the County of Cork and it is hoped that a similar number and perhaps even more, can take place this year. For community groups and organisations looking to get involved and organise a Heritage Week event, online registration opens at www.heritageweek.ie on May 10th. Registration stays open until 19th August 2016 but to ensure inclusion in the National Heritage Week print guide, it is necessary to register by June 10th. The website www.heritageweek.ie contains a number of ideas for exciting heritage events and if events are registered by 15th July 2016, organisers will be sent an organiser's toolkit by post.

Many groups this year have undertaken a number of commemorative centenary projects. Heritage Week would be the ideal time for local community groups to host a public event, recapping and reflecting on all that was done. For those seeking to have their event listed in the Cork County Heritage Week Event Guide, please have your event submitted online atwww.heritageweek.ie by July 1^st 2016.

Shallots From GIY Ireland

Shallots are small, golden-brown members of the onion family.   They are a little more “finicky” to cook with than onions, but they have a fine and very distinctive flavour.  They are very easy to grow. Shallots are widely used in Thai and South-East Asian cooking.

Sowing
Similar to onions, shallots are grown from sets (small shallots).  Plant in March, but leave until April if the weather is very poor or the soil is very wet.  Make sure the soil is light, free draining and non acid – add some compost or manure the previous winter.  Add some sand or compost if your soil is heavy when you go to plant.  Push the shallot in to the soil with the tip just visible above the surface – allow about 5-7cm between sets.

Growing
Water only in dry weather and keep the bed weed free.

Harvesting
They are ready when three quarters of the leaf on each plant has turned yellow and fallen over.  This is the same incidentally with garlic.  Carefully lift them.  You will need to dry them out fully before storing – if the weather is dry leave them on the bed (not touching each other) for about 2 weeks.  If the weather outside is rainy, put them in a shed on a chicken wire rack kept about a foot off the ground (so the air can circulate beneath them). 

Recommended Varieties
Golden Gourmet.

Problems
As with onions, the most serious disease is onion white rot which causes leaves to yellow and wilt and bulb gets white mould.  No remedy but to remove and burn.  You can not grow onions or shallots in that spot for up to 7 years.

GIY Tips
If you dry shallots carefully they should store until the following spring.  You can plait them as you would with onions.