Many years ago Port Glasgow was well known for it's fruit and vegetables. This local industry seems to have started as far back as 1767 when the then proprietor of Newark Estate saw the possibilities of this idea. He was proven correct as it was to become a very profitable with the produce being consumed both locally and in Glasgow.
Mr William King was responsible for the setting up and organising of the actually growing of the market produce. The flat ground at the fore shore of Newark Castle being composed of alluvial silt which along with the moist and mild climate made for excellent results.

The gardens extended from Balfour Street westwards on both sides of the Greenock road to Inchgreen. In the east of the town the gardens of Newark Castle were let out as market gardens and there were others at Carnagie (owned by John Yates). William Foot owned one which stretched from Ashgrove Lane to the foot of the Clune Brae. This garden was well known for its plumbs. Surrounded by high walls and having been adapted for wall trees.

Magnum Bonum plums are mentioned as having been especially good
In 1841 connection with Covent Garden in London began, and Port Glasgow strawberries were well thought of there.
They all brought their produce to the Steamboat Quay early in the morning for shipment to Glasgow by the Helensburgh Steamers each morning at 7am.
In the Glasgow fruiters you would see cards labeling the cases “Port Glasgow Fruit” After 1860, when shipbuilding began to develop, the garden ground was gradually taken up for this purpose. Then the railway sealed its fate by passing through all the local gardens leaving only two.

This page last modified on Wednesday, September 07, 2005

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