The Largo Estate Walled Garden is run by team of three Erin, Kathy and Lindsey who began the work in the Spring of 2021. Their on the ground activity is supported by the Monzie Estate team with guidance and direction from owners Alexandra and David Crichton plus extra help from Amanda and Lucy in the office.
All of our produce is grown using ecological methods of production and without the use of chemicals in the unique setting of the Largo Estate Walled Garden. We aim to grow specialist produce that you wouldn’t find on the highstreet - think colourful carrots and beetroots and salad leaves with flavours you’ve never tasted before!
To cultivate we break the ground with tractor operated plough and harrow to begin our plots, and then after this our bed system is aiming for no dig by not inverting the soil again (like the plough does) and tilling as minimally as possible. We use a board fork to aerate the soil when it becomes compacted which leaves the soil structure intact allowing it to take its natural form and ecosystem - though sometimes we do need to dig out perennial weeds by hand!
We introduce green waste compost to mulch the beds in order to suppress weed seed and we are developing our in garden composting system to feed the soils of the land. Our own compost is currently made up of crop residue generated from the garden and organic straw and manure from the Balcaskie Estate.
We use heat minimally to propagate our seedlings so our vegetables and flowers are grown within the limitations of Scotland’s climate! Plus the amazing benefits of the walled garden environment and a further helping hand from two polytunnels.
We aim to accredit with an organic certification body when we can, though already follow many of the associated practices.
We will prioritise spaces for customers who subscribe for a whole season, so one off boxes, 4 weeks of boxes, and bi-weekly boxes will have less availability.
Why sign up?
You love lush and interesting vegetables/leaves. You enjoy the challenge of creating meals with different ingredients each week. You want to have access to the freshest produce, with minimal food miles. You want to support local and independent businesses. You would like to see the Largo Walled Garden continue to be brought back to life as a hub for the local community. You would like to support Largo Walled Garden in our mission to grown produce for the local community in an environment that supports pollinators, biodiversity and, does not use any chemicals.