Transition Black Isle Gardeners Question time and Seed Swap

Friday 20th January 2017

This is the second year we have been to the TBI gardeners question time and seed swap, and this year it was held in the lovely venue of Glachbeg Croft.    http://glachbeg.org.uk/.

On arrival there was the chance to peruse the seed swap table.  Preparations for this year's seed swap have gone well, and some new, improved TBI branded seed packets made it easier to browse through all the different varieties available.  Over 30 people came along for the evening, and as well as the seeds, willow slips, local honey, lavender plants, oca tubers, books, leaflets and information on topics such as sustainable living, Permaculture and Transition Black Isle were all available.

This year's panel included Daniel Ross of Fearniewell Croft and Black Isle Veg Boxes, Maggie Dove who grows in her Permaculture inspired garden in Jemimaville and Maggie Wormald, RHET Highland Project Coordinator, and was chaired by Julie Gibson, TBI's Food Group Coordinator.

The panel fielded questions on subjects as diverse as how to prevent damping off on seedlings, using old horse manure as compost or top dressing, the ideal positioning of polytunnels, and the timing of planting out seedlings.  There was a lot of discussion about growing potatoes in tyres or bags and the ideal medium for earthing up, and the merits of focusing on more unusual varieties of tatties which are not available to buy.  The subject of the dreaded New Zealand Flatworm also came up, and it seems there are several growers suffering this pest on the Black Isle.  Advice was given on how to reduce or eradicate them, for example finding the eggs and also putting down slates and removing them from the undersides.

There was the chance to enjoy tea and cake and have a chat with the rest of the audience, as well as pick up any last minute seeds before heading home.  An ideal start to the new year and plenty to whet the appetite for the coming growing season.

Clive Brandon and Julie Plumridge.

View and download the poster.