Our Growing Practices
Reducing Plastic Use
We’re committed to a ‘low/no plastic’ system and use soil blocks to grow all our seedlings. The soil is pressed into cubes that hold their shape naturally—no plastic pots needed. We also reuse donated crates that would otherwise go to waste. Each crate holds up to 126 blocks, and we can fit 36 crates on just one of our five benches!
Chemical-Free, Not Certified Organic
While we don’t have official organic certification, our practices align closely with organic standards. We don’t use chemical fertilisers or pesticides, and we follow a long-term organic crop rotation system to maintain soil health. The compost and fertilisers we use are all certified organic, ensuring high-quality, chemical-free produce.
Our Greenhouse
Our greenhouse features a small man-made heated area, known as the germination chamber, that helps our seedlings thrive. It’s equipped with insulated shelving, a heating element, and a thermostat. We also automate the watering process, which is more energy efficient than hand-watering.
Growing in the Field and Polytunnels
We grow plants using an organic rotation system to reduce the risk of pests and disease and to promote healthy, nutrient-rich soil. To protect and nourish our land year-round, we cover the soil during winter with organic mulch or green manure crops. This prevents erosion, reduces nutrient run-off, and improves soil structure and fertility for the growing season ahead. By nurturing the soil as a living system, we ensure our plants grow strong, healthy, and packed with natural goodness.
Tillage Practices
We prioritise minimum-tillage practices wherever possible and aim to keep the soil covered and planted year-round to protect its health and structure. Minimising soil disturbance helps preserve vital microbial life, improves water retention, and prevents erosion. By keeping living roots in the ground, we support a thriving soil ecosystem that nourishes our crops naturally and sustainably. These practices are central to our commitment to regenerative farming and long-term soil resilience.
Compost
We recycle all organic waste from the farm—including animal manure and plant material from our market garden—through a five-bay composting system. This process transforms waste into rich, nutritious compost that feeds our soil and supports healthy crops. By making our own compost, we reduce waste, conserve valuable resources within our farm ecosystem, and cut down on costs.
Manual Tools
We rely primarily on hand tools to cultivate the soil and tend to our crops. This low-impact, traditional approach minimises the need for electrical or mechanical equipment, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and lowering our overall carbon footprint. By working closely with the land, we’re able to observe subtle changes in plant health and soil conditions, responding with care and precision that machines simply can’t match. This hands-on method not only fosters a deeper connection to our environment but also helps preserve the natural structure of the soil, encouraging long-term fertility and ecological balance. Every task—from weeding to harvesting—is done with intention, respect, and a commitment to sustainability.
Perennial Edges
While some manual weeding is necessary to keep our crops healthy, we often let the edges of our garden beds grow wild, or plant them with perennial edibles that return year after year. This approach boosts biodiversity and creates valuable habitat and food sources for the wildlife that share our farm.