How a hotel chef transformed a quarter acre of grassland into a productive garden

Gardening · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: A chef at the Homewood Hotel in Somerset has turned a quarter-acre plot of grassland into a thriving, high-yield garden. By utilizing intensive cropping methods and simple soil preparation techniques, he now supplies the 31-room venue with everything from microgreens and flowers to massive harvests of pumpkins and squash.

The garden project, located near Bath in the UK, began with the conversion of a quarter-acre plot, equivalent to 1000 square meters, of grassland. The chef, described as a highly motivated and industrious individual, manages this space with only two days of assistance per week. His approach emphasizes efficiency and productivity, creating a space that serves both as a functional source of ingredients for the hotel and as a beautiful environment for work and leisure.

Since 2023, the cultivation area has expanded significantly. The primary method employed involves covering the soil surface with compost, which is then shielded by black plastic. This technique is particularly effective for the initial planting of pumpkins and squash. The local climate, characterized as oceanic temperate with zone 8 winters and zone 5b summers, provides a specific set of conditions that the garden must navigate to maintain its impressive output.

The success of the garden is notable given the challenging environmental factors, such as the wet and relatively sunless spring documented in May 2024. Despite these obstacles, the garden continues to produce a diverse range of crops, including vegetables, flowers, and microgreens. The project, which was filmed and edited by Edward Dowding, highlights how intensive management and consistent soil care can yield substantial results even in unpredictable weather conditions. The Homewood Hotel, which also functions as a wedding venue, benefits directly from this onsite production, integrating the garden's bounty into its operations.

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