An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Kitchen Gardener to join a small gardening team on a beautiful private property near Swindon, Wiltshire.

This is a full-time position, focused on the management and development of an approximately ½-acre organically managed kitchen and cutting garden and a polytunnel, producing vegetables, fruit, herbs and cut flowers throughout the year.

The Role 

We are open to candidates with different levels of experience. We would welcome an experienced kitchen gardener who can take responsibility for the running and development of the garden, as well as someone relatively new to horticulture with a particular passion, aptitude and interest in kitchen gardening.

For the right candidate, there is an excellent opportunity to work alongside our part-time garden consultant, developing the practical knowledge and confidence needed to run a productive garden.

Responsibilities will include: 

• Growing, maintaining and harvesting seasonal vegetables, fruit, herbs and cut flowers to a high standard.
• Seed sowing, succession planting, propagation and nurturing young plants.
• Pest and disease management.
• Developing and maintaining the cutting garden, including staking, deadheading, harvesting and assisting with flower arranging.  [kg2]
• Working with the Head Gardener and consultant on propagation for the kitchen garden and borders.
• Maintaining the garden to a high standard, ensuring it is neat, productive and presentable for regular visitors.
• Contributing to general garden and estate duties alongside the rest of the team when required.

About You 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about gardening, practical, enthusiastic and keen to learn.

For an experienced candidate, a strong knowledge of kitchen gardening and the confidence to manage a productive garden independently are important.

For someone earlier in their career, we are interested in someone with natural aptitude, curiosity, initiative and a genuine desire to develop their horticultural skills in a kitchen garden.

All candidates should have: 

• The ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• A methodical, tidy and organised way of working.
• Good attention to detail and pride in maintaining a beautiful garden.
• Physical fitness and energy for a hands-on role.
• Experience with, or willingness to learn, garden machinery and tools.
• A willingness to undertake the varied tasks associated with working on a private estate.

The Position 

• Shared weekend duties, with time off in lieu
• Opportunity to work alongside a kitchen garden consultant
• A varied and hands-on role within a beautiful private garden and estate

Working Hours: Full-time – 40 hours per week 

Salary:  Up to £32k depending on experience

If you are passionate about growing and would enjoy the opportunity to help develop and maintain a productive, beautiful kitchen garden, we would love to hear from you. Please send a CV and covering letter.

This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.

If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here

For more gardener roles please click here

Tagged as: full time, Kitchen Gardener, Private Advert, Swindon, Wiltshire