The Polytunnel

The polytunnel is a vital part of our growing programme.  We love to share our produce with Loch Riddon Bothy guests and have a much earlier and more varied supply than we would if we didn’t have one.  Despite this, it is really only now, at the end of May, that we can offer a bag of mixed salad leaves and not really much else.

The hoops lying on the designated site

We built the polytunnel back in 2017 / 2018 from a kit supplied by Northern Polytunnels.  The site was cleared of bracken and brambles and then levelled. It was a challenging build but we took our time and just plodded on. 

Complete!

As soon as we got the plastic on we started making the raised beds – they are still going strong. They help with crop rotation and are small enough to mean we don’t need to stand on the soil so we can pack the veggies in.

Deep beds being filled with well rotted manure and topsoil

The polytunnel in July

Interestingly there is also a community polytunnel in both Colintraive and a second one in nearby Glendaruel.  Residents can rent a bed for a year in which to grow pretty much whatever they want.

We have a bed in this tunnel and find that as it is so much bigger, it tends to get hotter so this year we are growing all our tomatoes, aubergine, peppers and chillis in it.  Time will tell!!

The Community Tunnel in Colintraive

Its very satisfying being able to eat food grown in your own garden, harvested and eaten on the same day. Another bonus is being able to offer it to those staying at Loch Riddon Bothy.

So if you are staying from June onwards just ask!

Late summer salad of mixed leaves and flowers with baby tomatoes