Want to know more?

What is the vegetable box service?

The Essex Allotment Farm grows vegetables locally and sells weekly vegetable boxes to local residents. The service was successfully trialled in 2020 and will operate on a larger scale in 2021.

Where are the vegetables grown?

The vegetables are grown on a farm located on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex.

What chemicals do you use on the farm?

No chemicals or pesticides are applied to the soil or crops and fertilisers used are only used from natural or organic sources.

How long will the vegetables last?

The vegetables are fresh, direct from the local farm and will last typically between 7 to 10 days once stored in a cool area.

Can I vary the contents of the box?

The vegetables are seasonal and has natural variation from week to week. We can offer some specific customisations. Eg if you don’t like potatoes we will never put them in your box and replace with something different.

Do you supply boxes?

We supply a mushroom crate to each customer as part of their initial order. We ask that customers to make these available to collect the following week, they are washed and re-used.

How do I place my order?

Orders can be placed on our online Farm Shop.

How much does a weekly vegetable box cost?

Small boxes range from £14 to £16 large boxes range from £18 to £20 Discounts are available for season long orders (30 weeks).

What is meant by a subscription?

Our subscription plans are tailored to meet a variety of requirements. Whether you require vegetables weekly, monthly or for a limited number of weeks we have a number of options.

How long has this service been in operation?

From June 2021 the service will be in its second year and will run throughout the summer season until the end of October.

Can I visit the farm to see the operation?

Yes. One of the advantages of buying locally produced vegetables is that consumers can enjoy a direct relationship with the grower. Look out for news of educational farm visits planned for summer 2021.

What is a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model that complements what the Essex Allotment Farm is creating. Locally produced crops, free from chemicals grown and supplied to local residents. Local workers or volunteers support the project so a direct relationship between the grower and consumers is encouraged. Founder and owner, Alex Horne sits on the board of the CSA UK network.

Do you supply anything other than vegetables eg fruit?

We are continually looking to add to our product range. In 2020 we will be growing strawberries. Follow us on YouTube and Instagram as new products are added.

Do you do different sizes of vegetable boxes?

Yes, we have two sizes of boxes, large and small.

How often can you supply vegetables?

We supply vegetables weekly on delivery days varying according to your location.

What happens if I can’t receive my vegetables eg. I am on holiday?

We encourage members to gift the box to a friend or family member. We work with local food banks in Chelmsford and the box can be gifted to a charity on your behalf. some ‘holiday weeks’ are available.

Do you reward new member introductions?

If a customer introduces a friend or relative who signs up for 10 weeks throughout the season they will be rewarded with a discount.

What makes this service different from other vegetable box services?

This service provides customers with direct access to locally grown vegetables. Unlike many other services, the locally produced food comes from only one source - The Essex Allotment Farm. This minimises transportation and removes links between the grower and the consumer, ensuring the vegetables remain fresh.

Are your vegetables organic?

Our vegetables are grown on the principles of regenerative agriculture. This means there are no added chemicals or pesticides used in the growing process. The soil has been nurtured over the past year to return it to its natural condition, full of nutrients, carbon and plant life to create a sustainable growing ecosystem.

What range of vegetables do you grow and supply?

A comprehensive range of vegetables are available; multiple varieties of lettuce, beans, kale, garlic, onions, potatoes, cabbage, beetroot, corn, peas, squashes, tomatoes, cucumbers, radish and much more.

What happens if you run out of certain vegetables?

Vegetables may vary slightly from week to week according to growing cycles in order that only fresh seasonal vegetables are included in the weekly boxes. In extreme cases vegetables may be sourced from other local and trusted growers.

Do you deliver as part of the service?

Yes - this is new for the 2022 season. ongoing in 2023.

Do I need to buy your vegetables every week?

No. You can order vegetables from our subscription plan; there are a number of different options.

Do you supply one off gift boxes for special occasions?

Yes. We can consider special occasion orders. eg we provided a specially presented ‘birthday box’ for one of our customers recently. Look out also for news of our Christmas 2021 special gift boxes.