SOWING SEEDS WITH MODERN KITCHEN GARDEN

Fran and her husband Oliver, run a market garden (Modern Kitchen Garden) just outside of Ryde on the Isle of Wight. They produce a range of seasonal vegetables using no-dig methods, without chemical fertilisers or pesticides. There goal is to produce nutrient-dense food whilst regenerating the soil and increasing biodiversity on the farm. 

Fran and Oliver previously lived and worked in the Cotswolds working for rural estates. However, over time, they found that the conventional farming methods they witnessed were not aligned with their views on sustainability. Therefore they moved back to the island in 2017 to take over Fran’s family’s small holding and begin implementing practices that were more aligned with their ethos - producing high quality, nutrient-dense food, whilst also improving biodiversity, soil health and preserving the highest standards of animal welfare. 

In 2019, they began selling their no dig produce at Ryde Farmers Market, as well as providing a local produce delivery service. They plan to be back at Ryde Farmers’ Market with their vegetables and eggs in June 2021. 

We were luckily enough to have Fran cater for one of our previous Island Wellness Retreats. The majority of the ingredients used for the meals was sourced from Fran’s land. Our guests loved hearing the story behind the food and the opportunity to actual meet the grower and chef. 

Growing your own produce

We asked Fran if she would share her knowledge and expertise with you, on how to start growing your own vegetables at home. Using egg boxes, Fran gives you tips on what you can start sowing now (lettuce, rainbow chard and spring onions) and when you can put them out in the garden. 

We would love to know how you get on! Please do send us photos and tag us in your windowsill growing pictures. The team will also be sowing and sharing our progress alongside some tasty recipes!

More information

If you would like to learn more about the Modern Kitchen Garden check out their website and make sure you are following their social media channels (Facebook & Instagram). Please do contact Fran either via email (hello@themodernkitchengarden.co.uk) or through social media if you have any questions.

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