Gardener jobs in Desborough

Head Grower – Keythorpe Hall Walled Garden

Keythorpe Hall is seeking an experienced Head Grower to lead our beautiful restored two-acre Victorian walled garden.

Using organic and regenerative growing methods, we cultivate exceptional produce for our guests, focusing on heritage and unusual varieties selected for their flavour and culinary qualities rather than yield. The garden also produces seasonal cut flowers, and we are proud members of Flowers from the Farm.

Working closely with our kitchen, you'll have the rare opportunity to see your produce transformed into exceptional dishes. We believe the relationship between the garden and the kitchen should be collaborative, creative and inspiring.

This is not a commercial market garden focused on volume. We grow for flavour, beauty and seasonality, supplying an exclusive-use country house where guests experience produce harvested just hours before it reaches their plate. The Head Grower plays a central role in shaping that experience, working alongside our chefs to influence menus, trial new varieties and continually evolve the garden.

This is a permanent position. Initial accommodation and relocation assistance can be provided for the right candidate. Hours vary throughout the growing season and will include some weekend working.

About the role

You will work closely with our Head Chef, planning crops together and ensuring the garden provides the very best seasonal ingredients for our guests. This is an exciting opportunity to become an integral part of a genuinely farm-to-fork operation where sustainability, quality and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything we do.

Skills and experience

The successful applicant will have:

• At least three years' practical experience in commercial market gardening or a similar growing role
• Experience of regenerative, organic or biodynamic growing methods.
• A genuine passion for sustainable food and flower production.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities throughout the season.
• A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Pride in maintaining high standards throughout the garden.
• The ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with the wider team.
• A full driving licence and access to reliable transport, as public transport is extremely limited.

Key responsibilities

The Head Grower will be responsible for all aspects of the productive garden, including:

• Annual crop planning and variety selection, with an emphasis on flavour and culinary use.
• Soil health, composting and bed preparation.
• Propagation and nursery management.
• Planting, crop establishment and ongoing crop care.
• Organic pest, disease and weed management.
• Irrigation and fertility management.
• Harvesting to the highest quality standards.
• Management of cut flower production.
• Succession planting to ensure continuous supply throughout the season.
• Record keeping and seasonal planning.
• Working closely with the Head Chef to plan menus around seasonal availability.
• Identifying opportunities to sell surplus produce and flowers locally.

To learn more about Keythorpe Hall and the Walled Garden, please visit our website and Instagram.

Please see our Instagram @keythorpe_hall or http://www.keythorpehall.co.uk for more information.

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Relocation assistance

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Tugby LE7 9XJ: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (preferred)

Experience:

• Head Grower: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person