Lorn Organic Growers, based in the hills above Taynuilt at an altitude of 90m, started growing in the disused tunnels of a former commercial heather nursery on the Barguillean Estate 11 years ago. 23 members of all ages currently occupy 7 industrial tunnels (40mx10m), paying a small annual fee and growing in individual beds and collectively in a soft fruit tunnel and group orchards. Their circumstance, using disused commercial tunnels, is somewhat unusual, but their tale demonstrates a landowner’s willingness and a collective response to growing fresh food year-round in an area otherwise devoid of fresh food production and prone to heavy rainfall.
“If people want to grow vegetables in these climes, having access to a polytunnel is a win-win, there is no doubt about it. If you want local produce, you have to grow it yourself; our choice of fresh produce in the local supermarkets is very limited…One of the many benefits of growing here,” the group’s chair Colin continues, is the opportunity to garden, in the company of others, year-round in the dry! This August, we have had at least double the annual rainfall and little sunshine, but under cover, we have managed to grow potatoes, onions, lettuce, courgettes, beans and squashes.”
Local farms support the growers with abundant manure, and the group also benefits from a plentiful supply of seaweed that they gather from the shores of nearby Loch Etive. Each tunnel houses circa 32 raised 4m x1m beds, watered by a soak hose system fed through the burn. The burn has never dried up, but with frequent heavy rainfall, it is prone to silting up and has to be cleared. The tunnels are also prone to high winds and sometimes snow. Over the years, the group have devised their own clamp and eyelet tunnel repair technique, but essential reskinning and other ongoing maintenance costs are supported through members’ fees and sponsorship from local businesses. The group take on their own reskinning of the tunnels with help and supervision from an experienced local who knows the tricks of the trade.
Most of the group manage to sow and grow a variety of staple crops to see them through the year: potatoes, onions, garlic & shallots. A couple of members are horticulturally trained, supporting the group in diagnosing and addressing any problems as they arise. Other members are more than happy to experiment. One popular approach is to sow and grow some of the same crops both indoors and out to stagger the cropping season. Many of the group also grow winter crops: onions, garlic, cabbages through the winter for the hungry spring gap. Understandably, this year has not been good for tomatoes and aubergines, but Colin remains hopeful of a good autumn that can make all the difference.
If you’d like to know more about the work of Lorn Organic Growers you can contact them at lornorganicgrowers@gmail.com
If you are a growing group looking to grow year round whatever the weather we may be able to help you write your very own tunnel tale. Get in touch.
