THERE is such a shortage of organically produced food in the country that maybe growing your own is the answer. If so, then consider taking some of the courses offered by Sonairte, the National Ecology Centre, at Laytown, in Co Meath, close to the N1 Dublin Belfast road.

On April 5th, Aideen Higgins will be giving a one day course on organic gardening for beginners at the centre, which will give details of basic composting, crop rotation, outwitting pests, and how to manage the garden organically and easily. The course costs £38, and it is only one of a number planned for the next few months, which will include that fine grower Laura Turner demonstrating Fertility and Composting in the Organic Garden, on May 10th, and later courses on herbs and summer vegetarian cooking.

Details of courses from Anna Doran on (041) 27572.