Seasonal Assistant Grower- Black Grove Greens CSA Market Garden. Herts Part time

Black Grove Greens is an expanding Community Supported Agriculture scheme in East Herts. The Market Garden has been growing vegetables and running volunteer days on Black Grove Farm for 5 years. The aim is to restore biodiversity to the land while providing access and education to local people. Food is grown using organic principles and bio-intensive techniques on no-till beds in a deer-fenced, 1-acre market garden. We grow with and for the local community, supported by skilled, experienced volunteers. The garden produces nutritious vegetables, fruit, and herbs with a focus on healthy fresh greens, supplied to local shops and a box scheme. The garden is partly funded by a National Lottery Awards for All grant and is set in a 20-acre mixed farm with pasture and ancient woodland.

About the Role

2 days per week from June to November throughout the growing season (Mondays and Wednesdays). Possibility for flexible working hours on those days. You will work alongside the main grower and a team of volunteers, assisting with all aspects of fruit and vegetable production from seed to harvest. Although modern tools and equipment are used, human-scale vegetable production demands a reasonable level of physical fitness and a willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Propagation of crops
• Bed preparation and transplanting
• Pruning, training, and general crop care
• Harvesting
• Pest management through soil and crop health, intercropping, netting, and beneficial insect introductions
• Proficiency with a range of specialist market gardening tools
• Irrigation
• No-dig or minimal tillage systems

Requirements

You will have a keen interest and some experience in organic and/or agroecological growing systems. Efficiency and the ability to learn skills quickly are essential. Above all, you will have a passion for agroecological and regenerative growing and sustainable food production.

Pay

11 hours per week at £12.30 per hour on a rolling 3-month temporary contract.

Benefits

• Access to free/discounted fruit and vegetables
• A supportive and respectful work environment
• The chance to be part of developing a farm and contribute your own ideas
• Possibility for simple off-grid accommodation on the farm, depending on the applicant’s situation