September 1, 2024

Celebrate the Benefits of Growing Year-Round

A man stands proudly in front of a lush vegetable garden filled with vibrant green lettuce plants.

It’s Organic September—what better time to highlight how organic practices are woven into the fabric of River Cottage?

Organic principles are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud that our farm is certified organic by the Soil Association and managed under Countryside and Environmental Stewardship programs run by Natural England. These initiatives support land managers in maintaining natural habitats and biodiversity while balancing food production. We cultivate high-quality organic fruits and vegetables across 1.5 acres of our farm, providing a diverse range of produce for our kitchen throughout the year. From vibrant tomatoes to crisp salad greens, each harvest reflects our commitment to organic excellence.

Our founder, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, is a passionate advocate for organic growing and farming, a commitment that has always been ingrained in the essence of River Cottage.

“Organic is really important to us here at River Cottage. It’s how we raise our livestock, how we grow all our produce, and it’s at the heart of all our cooking and teaching. We love to show people how to cook and eat sustainably and affordably with organic produce. We’re also incredibly proud of our growing range of delicious organic products.”
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Provenance matters deeply to our chefs at River Cottage. If you attend one of our cookery courses, you will hear them explain where your ingredients come from and why we believe that eating seasonally and sustainably is not only essential but also enhances flavour. Each meal reflects a respect for the environment and showcases the very best of what our organic farming can produce.

“Organic food is important not only for environmental reasons but also because the flavours are significantly better! Growing organic vegetables and raising organic meat gives me peace of mind that we are leaving the soil healthy for future generations. Organic varieties often include heritage types, which tend to be hardier and slower-growing, but they are far more interesting and tastier!”
Gelf Alderson, Culinary Director

At River Cottage, we believe that growing your own vegetables can transform your life. In an era of intensive farming and reliance on harmful pesticides, we must prioritise our own patches of safe soil. By embracing organic methods, you not only contribute to a healthier planet but also enjoy fresher, more flavourful food straight from your garden.

“I don’t see any other way but to grow organically. After all, it’s how nature intended. Using man-made chemicals and artificial fertilisers on our food is unnecessary and harmful. It destroys our collective health and strips our land of biodiversity.

The only winners are the big agricultural companies, which have made people believe this is the only way to grow food. It’s all about money for them. It’s important to remember that people grew food just fine before these petroleum-based products were invented. The question shouldn’t be, ‘Why do you grow organically?’ but rather, ‘Why wouldn’t you grow organically?”
Adam Crofts, Head Gardener

On our gardening courses, we teach participants about the importance of soil health and share numerous organic tips and tricks to help you start growing organic vegetables at home! Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling garden, there are plenty of ways to incorporate organic practices into your daily life.

Want to learn more about organic practices? Visit the Soil Association website for more information. To immerse yourself in the world of organic growing and cooking, consider booking one of our experiences at River Cottage HQ!

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