We are seeking an exceptionalHead Growerto join the team in developing a large and ambitious market garden on a substantial private estate atMereworth.
Our mission is to grow the very finest varieties of fruit, vegetables, and herbs—both traditional and non-traditional—with a strong emphasis onflavour above yield. This will require a grower of exceptional knowledge and experience, capable of leading a team with the aim of creating a market garden ofscale, productivity, diversity, and beauty, using the most effective and sustainable methods.
The garden currently occupies approximately15 acres, with potential for future expansion. The project will include a comprehensivelandscaping programme, envisaged as a joint project with the Estate Head Gardener, Estate Management, and the Owner.
The garden comprises apple, pear, plum, and cherry orchards, all selected for flavour rather than yield.A high level of knowledge in soft fruit production is essential; the garden currently grows a wide range of strawberries and raspberries, with a clear ambition toexpand both variety and scalein the coming years. Many of the existing plantings arerare heritage varieties.
The market garden currently includestwo polytunnels, with alarge multi-span structure located within an area dedicated to field-scale crops. Plans are in place to reinstate the glasshouses, providing additionalpropagation facilities and protected growing space, which will form an important part of the garden’s future development.
Although this is not a conventional commercial enterprise, the estate is associated with anartisanal food business, with produce supplied to the business as well as to the family when required. For this reason, a sound working knowledge ofrelevant regulations and compliance standardsis essential.
The successful candidate willjoin the current team in creating a garden of exceptional quality, while leading the design, development, and day-to-day management of the market garden.
This rare position will suit an individual of great knowledge and enthusiasm, with the ambition to create a garden ofrare distinctionproducing superior-quality crops.High-level technical expertise, excellent organisational skills, and proven leadership ability are essential.
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