It may be the middle of January – but Borgue Horticultural Society members are already looking towards spring.
And to prepare for the planting season the growers are holding a Potato Day and Seed Swap in the village hall next Saturday, January 28.
Co-ordinator Anne Bannatyne is expecting a busy morning.
She said: “The Potato Day and Seed Swap and is an event to inspire everyone to grow, cook and eat more vegetables.
“Before Christmas, we offered locals the chance to pre-order unusual varieties of potato and we were really pleased with the response.
“All orders will be ready to be collected on the day.
“Not only that – we want to encourage as many people as possible to grow food and flowers and get into gardening generally, so we are running a seed swap at the same time.
“Budding and experienced gardening enthusiasts will have the opportunity to bring along surplus seeds to exchange.
“So whether people are collecting their potatoes or have seeds to swap or not, everyone will be most welcome.”
She added: “Simply bring your seeds in labelled envelopes and put them on the table and choose a swap from the other seeds available.
“You don’t have to bring seeds to swap, there will be seeds to spare for a small donation.
“There will also be some heritage varieties of potato tubers for sale.
“Teas, coffees and homemade cakes will be available – as well as potato-based soup and snacks.”
All profits from the day will go to the horticultural society which has been running the Borgue Show since 1865.
Anne added: “Many people developed an interest in gardening and growing vegetables during the pandemic. We are hoping that this year we can encourage a bumper crop of entries.”
