Market Gardener - The Garlic Farm

Job Posted: 20 January 2026

• Contract Term: Seasonal
• Location: Newchurch , Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Part time
• Salary: Dependent on experience, we are a living wage employer
• Industries: Miscellaneous Agriculture & Farming Horticulture

Market Gardener

Salary: Dependent on experience - we are a National Living Wage employer

Contract Term: Permanent with seasonal variations – flexible hours, 3 days per week.

Location: Newchurch

The Garlic Farm in Newchurch is one of the Island's most popular tourist destinations and we provide a high-quality experience to our customers in our restaurant, shop and farm site. The restaurant has won multiple awards for consistently delivering locally sourced, quality food and has a reputation for an excellent level of service. The Garlic Farm is BCorp Certified and a Living Wage Employer and is committed to having a positive environmental and social impact.

We are developing an organic, regenerative, and no dig market garden at The Garlic Farm. We are recruiting a Market Gardener who is responsible for the planning, production, and day-to-day management of the garden which will supply the restaurant and shop. The role combines practical growing with community engagement, education, and inclusive working, using organic, regenerative, and no-dig principles

The role requires a self-motivated, well-organised individual who enjoys taking initiative. The role is seasonal with an opportunity to become a permanent contract for the right candidate. 

The successful candidate will be required to have a flexible approach and be enthusiastic to learn since this job will cover many distinct tasks. Ideal for an all-rounder who will be happy to pitch in with the rest of the team and show flexibility to undertake any other duties or responsibilities as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Growing & Land Management -

• Plan, grow, maintain, and harvest seasonal fruit and vegetables
• Manage the garden using organic, regenerative, and no-dig methods
• Maintain soil health through composting, mulching, and green manures
• Oversee crop rotation, succession planting, and bed preparation
• Monitor plant health and manage pests and diseases organically
• Liaise with the Impact lead, Chef and Shop manager on crop planning and supply

Composting, Soil Health & Biodiversity -

• Manage on-site composting systems (Ridan, Worm farm, FYM)
• Use compost to improve soil fertility and structure
• Promote biodiversity and maintain wildlife habitats

Organisation & Planning -

• Develop crop plans and planting schedules
• Maintain basic records (planting, harvesting, yields)
• Manage tools, equipment, and growing supplies
• Work within agreed budgets and resources

Public, Community & Inclusive Working -

• Act as a public-facing representative of the garden
• Communicate growing methods and values to visitors
• Support tours, open days, and community events
• Work with groups including people with additional needs
• Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment
• Adapt tasks to suit different abilities and learning styles
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners.

Skills, Experience and Qualities:

Essential -

• Experience growing produce and working on the land
• Knowledge of organic certification standards
• Experience with regenerative and/or no-dig growing systems
• Practical composting experience
• Understanding of biodiversity-friendly growing
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Confident communicator, comfortable working with the public
• Experience working with diverse groups, including those with additional needs
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Physically able to carry out outdoor manual work year-round
• Passion for organic, no-dig and regenerative food production and farming
• Reliable, organised, and self-motivated
• Able to balance productivity with environmental, educational, and social outcomes

Desirable -

• Horticultural or agricultural qualification
• Experience managing volunteers or small teams
• Basic record-keeping skills
• First Aid and/or safeguarding training (or willingness to obtain)

Health, Safety & Safeguarding -

• Commitment to safe working practices
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
• Willingness to follow site policies and procedures

Benefits:

• Staff discount in our shop and restaurant
• Staff discount in our holiday cottages & yurts
• Pension Scheme
• Discretionary Group Accident Insurance
• Discretionary Healthcare Cashback scheme – after 6 months employment
• Discretionary Profit share bonus after 2 years employment
• Various additional benefits available
• To be part of a family business with high ethical and sustainability standards.

If you are impeccably organised, highly motivated with a can-do attitude and an eye for detail we would love you to join our team.

Hours for this position will be up to 18 hours per week and be during Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm. With the possibility of additional hours during our busier periods and occasional weekends or event work by agreement.

If you think you tick all the boxes and you would like to become part of our Garlic Farm family, we would love to hear from you!

To apply please respond to this advert, through IW Jobs, ensuring you include a CV and covering letter, telling us a little bit about yourself and why you think you’d suit this role.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to our location not being on a public transport route, having your own transport will be essential for this position.

The Garlic Farm & Wild Island are an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.