Throughout the calendar year, members work at the raised beds, preparing the soil, planting seeds, tending the plants and, best of all, reaping the reward for their efforts – fresh and tasty fruit and vegetables for the table.

The polytunnel group are hard at work from January onwards sowing vegetable seeds, nurturing the seedlings until they have been hardened off and are ready for planting. The vegetable plants are then made available to members of the garden for a small donation. Members can buy as many or as few vegetable plants as they want.

The polytunnel group also sow wildflowers that can be planted as plug plants in the garden, in the nature trail and this allows people to have a small wildlife garden at home.  Perennials and hanging baskets are planted up in summer and winter and are available for a donation at our open days.

Potato Day is held each year in March. This is a social gathering for members of the garden and the community and is themed on the humble potato. Leek and Potato soup, chick pea curry, Bombay potato, teas and coffees are available for a donation.  There is also a focus on growing produce as seed potatoes are available for a donation.

Onion sets, leeks and garlic bulbs are made available to members in the autumn to encourage them to keep their raised bed growing food all year round. Raised beds are typically more productive than allotments when it comes to a successful yield and our members are proud of their growing success. Bothwell Horticultural Society has seen a large increase in entries from adults and children at the Annual Flower and Produce Show with a significant number of awards presented to Community Garden members.