Everyone’s welcome to pop up and see the work of the Kyles Allotment Group (KAG), whose members have been busy planting, sowing, watering, weeding and harvesting their raised beds in the polytunnel. And if you’re inspired by what you see, now’s the time to join KAG as there’s a few plots remaining for members of the community.
This summer the polytunnel really proved its worth, with tomatoes, lettuce, rocket, courgettes, carrots, beetroot, spinach, French and runner beans all growing in abundance. Vegetables that even the most green-fingered gardener would struggle to cultivate on the windy west coast made an appearance, including chillies, basil, peppers and an aubergine or two.
The winter crops are now in, and members are looking forward to spinach, brussels sprouts, purple-sprouting broccoli and other seasonal delights. The forest development team has terraced an area of land and is building outdoor beds to complement the indoor ones. They’ll soon be ready for planting and will be perfect for growing potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower and other vegetables that thrive outdoors.
Here’s what some members have to say:
Lucy and Mark Roper, who live in Portavadie with their son Timothy, said: ‘We’ve loved being part of the KAG. Not only have we been able to “pick our very own” salad and veg, but our 4 year old has loved planting, weeding, watering and picking our produce (not always when we wanted it picking!). I look forward to seeing what winter will have in store for us in the polytunnel.’
John Moran, KAG Chairman, said: ‘Growing in the polytunnel shortens the winter. It means that bad summers are pretty much history. This summer’s been fairly cold, wet and windy, yet all our members have harvested a healthy crop of fruit and veg from the tunnel. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people – you can cultivate friends as well as crops!’
Eve MacFarlane, who joined the group in June this year, said. ‘I’ve been amazed at what I’ve been able to grow – especially planting so late in the season. I’ve had loads of lovely fresh vegetables. There’s lots of gardening knowledge in the group, and for a newbie like me the advice, help and tips have proved invaluable.’
Membership of KAG costs £45 a year and includes two raised beds – one indoors and one outdoors. Twenty-five households currently make up the membership, taking in a wide range of ages and gardening abilities. The group meets regularly and sometimes holds a stall at the local Producers Market [link].
If you want to find out more or you’re interested in joining, call Sara on 811159, email
sara@kilfinancommunityforest.com or drop into the office.
What could be better than fresh air, exercise, the satisfaction of harvesting your own food, and all with the most glorious views, come rain or shine?
And did you know? A standard UK allotment saves 120kg CO2 per year. 
