Busy year for organic growers
THIS year hasn’t been the most fruitful for Lorn Organic Growers, based in Taynuilt, but it was a good one for cucumbers and courgettes – which they are still harvesting.
A lack of sunlight and warmth didn’t help them in 2017, but the group’s sheltered tunnels allowed them to still grow their own produce.
‘It was also a good year for grant applications since we have successfully funded a new watering system which will work by gravity,’ a group spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added: ‘Thanks go to Carraig Gheal Windfarm Fund for enabling this and our new system will be operational for the start of our 2018 growing season. Our other project has been to fundraise for a composting toilet since we currently have no facilities on site and, with an increasing membership, it has made life a bit difficult.
‘Thanks to Taynuilt Windfarm, Taynuilt Medical Practice, a Carraig Gheal micro grant, Argyll and Bute Health and Well-being Fund and a successful bakesale at SAMS, we are the proud owners of a new compost toilet kit.
‘If anyone enjoys doing three-dimensional jigsaws, please get in touch to help us assemble it. We have, however, made a start and completed the base.’
The group’s orchard, which they planted in 2015, has started to produce some fruit.
Members of Lorn Organic Growers are now adopting individual trees to look after, which will allow them to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Growing beds will be available to rent from January next year. For more information or to get involved contact lornorganicgrowers@gmail.com or send them a message on Facebook.
‘It’s great exercise and a very rewarding activity and we have lots of experienced growers happy to help newcomers,’ the group spokesperson said.