Senior Organic Nursery Grower in West Berkshire

We are a specialist, sustainable organic tree, hedge plant and perennial nursery producing approximately 150,000 plants annually. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Nursery Grower to manage the full growing cycle—from seed through to plant sales preparation. This is a hands‑on role requiring strong horticultural knowledge alongside a structured, data‑driven approach. The successful candidate will play a key role in growing plants from seed, soil health management, compliance with plant health and organic standards, and day‑to‑day nursery operations. The nursery sits within a small and developing regenerative farm. It is essential that the Nursery Grower works with and understands the ambitions of the small farming team.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee the sowing and propagation of up to 150,000 seeds annually.
• Propagate other trees, shrubs and perennials through various vegetative propagation methods.
• Monitor germination rates and maintain accurate production records.
• Manage plant care, including irrigation, weeding and environmental conditions to ensure healthy growth.
• Maintain and improve soil fertility using organic methods and biological principles.
• Develop and manage composting systems appropriate to nursery production.
• Create and apply organic soil amendments, compost teas and other natural inputs.
• Maintain accurate and audit‑ready records in line with UK organic certification standards.
• Ensure compliance with plant health regulations and implement organic pest and disease control (IPM).
• Track stock levels throughout the growing cycle.
• Grade plants according to size, quality and readiness for sale.
• Organise and oversee packaging, labelling and quality control for dispatch.
• Review seasonal performance to identify improvements and inform future crop planning.
• Research and implement innovative organic growing techniques to improve productivity and plant quality.
• Attend industry events and relevant courses to stay current with organic and regenerative growing practices.
• Supervise seasonal staff during peak periods (sowing, grading, packing).
• Maintain awareness of sales channels to support effective production planning.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills and adaptability for working in a small team.
• Practical experience in plant propagation and organic plant growing.
• Strong understanding of organic growing principles and soil health.
• Good record‑keeping and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage workload independently and as part of a team.
• Keen interest in using technology or AI tools to improve efficiency.
• Willing to work outside all year round and some weekend working will be required.
• Valid UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Qualification in Horticulture, Agriculture or a related field.
• Experience with plant production at scale.
• Familiarity with spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets) for tracking data.
• Experience leading or supervising small teams.

Personal Attributes and Opportunities

• Passion for sustainable and organic growing.
• Detail‑oriented with a strong commitment to quality.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic working environment.
• Collaborative and a good fit for a small team.

Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for a committed grower to take ownership of production within a forward‑thinking nursery; one of a very few organic tree and hedge plant nurseries in the UK. The role offers scope for innovation, development and meaningful impact on sustainable plant production.

Applications

If you are excited by this opportunity, please get in touch as we will be interviewing as we receive applications. Please send a covering letter and an anonymous CV to remove any bias to info@asgarfarm.co.uk.