An interview in the spring garden, with three local market gardeners who are trying to change the fresh food offering in the Scottish Borders.

Almost all fresh produce in the Borders is bought in supermarkets. Although they are unable to compete on price, Kevin Banks, Jamie Smith and Cameron Dickie talk with me about the value and potential in growing our own for local sale.

The Plot Thickens, Earlston

Kevin Banks runs The Plot Thickens near Earlston, with his wife and volunteers. He is predominantly a plant nursery, but is expanding his produce offering.

Kevin sells at Leith, Moffat, Galashiels and Berwick markets. Find out where Kevin is going to be, on Facebook

The garden is open some Sundays at Carolside Stables Cottage , Earlston, and is well worth the visit if you would like to learn about ecological growing practices suited for our climate.

He will also be selling at Melrose Primary School on 2nd of May from 12:15pm, for their annual plant sale

Bucklands Garden, Hawick

Jamie Smith and Maria Young use no-dig and ecological methods to produce fruit, veg, honey and flowers at Bucklands Garden in Hawick.

You can buy their produce on Saturdays between 9-12pm from the end of May to the beginning of October, at the Common Haugh in Hawick.

Find them on Instagram @bucklands_garden

Bridgelands Farm, Selkirk

Cameron Dickie and his wife took on Bridgelands farm as first generation farmers. His career had been in the army, but after transitioning into a project management role he began looking for something more satisfying and took land management courses before taking on Bridgelands farm. They currently produce eggs, but have livestock and are looking to produce veg, alongside engaging ex-army personel to repurpose their skills and training towards food growing.

www.Bridgelands.farm

You can find them at Bridgelands Rd, Selkirk TD7 4PT, where they are soon to have a farm shop/honesty box.

Find them on Facebook and Instagram: @bridgelands_farm

Thank you to Kevin, Jamie and Cameron!

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The FoodScape Podcast explores how food shapes the lives and land of the Scottish Borders. It also asks the question; what more could food do for us?

From boosting local economy and creating jobs, supporting biodiversity and improving soil, to establishing a place as a destination; what would it look like for our place to thrive, and can food help us get there?

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Produced & Presented by Charlotte Maberly

Music by Iain Fraser from his album Koterana