Raised Beds in Quin's Housing Estates

In spring 2025, Quin Village Tidy Towns installed raised beds in three housing estates across the village as a pilot Grow Your Own programme. The project was designed to demonstrate how straightforward and cost-effective it can be to grow food at home, even in a small shared space.

Each bed measures 4ft by 8ft. A hands-on workshop was run by local organic horticulturalist Barry Deane, covering soil preparation using the correct soil mix to maximise growth, seed sowing and propagation, and ongoing care through the growing season. Participants received continued support and advice through the season. Seeds were donated by Barry Deane and by Keith from Derra Farm, an organic farm in Kilkishen. Plant markers were made from reused wooden forks donated by Monks Pantry café.

Residents grew strawberries, scallions, beetroot, herbs and mixed lettuces through the 2025 and 2026 season. The beds served as practical demonstrations of how a compact growing space can produce a meaningful supply of fresh produce while reducing food miles, packaging and carbon footprint.

Following the success of the pilot, the programme is expanding to three more estates. Waist-height beds are being added to make the project accessible for older residents and people with mobility difficulties. A local carpenter is assembling the beds. Seeds continue to be saved and donated by local organic farms in the area.