Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is teaming up with Gloucestershire-based Seed Revolution to launch River Cottage's first-ever range of organic vegetable seeds.
The fast-growing Seed Revolution is predominantly known for its wildflower seeds, but this new partnership sees it producing 19 different varieties of organic vegetable seeds, exclusive to River Cottage.
Varieties include beetroot, carrot, chard, peas, rocket, spinach and squash, with prices per pack starting from £2.99. It's also offering a range of kitchen garden seed bundles and starter grow bundles containing a mixture of both River Cottage vegetable seeds and Seed Revolution wildflower seeds for companion growing, to offer 'a complete organic vegetable and wildflower ecosystem for maximum harvests.'
Both companies hope the range will inspire more people to grow and cook with organic vegetables to improve sustainability, food integrity and accessibility.
Hugh said: 'I’m incredibly excited about our collaboration with Seed Revolution, our first-ever range of organic vegetable seeds. At River Cottage we love working with people who share our values. Together, we’ve produced a brilliant range of seeds for people who want to grow their own healthy produce.
'Our organic seed collection offers customers some of our favourite varieties of vegetables, whether they’re a seasoned gardener or just starting. It means they can grow and take the finest, freshest vegetables from their garden straight to their kitchen.'
For newbie vegetable growers, Hugh recommends starting with spring onions, chard, peas and carrots.
Seed Revolution founder Max Mancroft, who is just 27-years-old and from Gloucestershire, added: 'I’m very proud to launch this partnership with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the River Cottage team.
'Proper food starts with proper seeds and together we have developed a range of organic vegetable seeds which we think people will love to grow.
'We’re making it easy and exciting for a whole new generation to reconnect with nature, one seed packet at a time. All you’ve got to do is rip open a packet. No rules. No pressure. Just the simple thrill of watching something grow. Vegetable growing for beginners starts here.'
Seed Revolution has even created a guide to wildflower and vegetable companion planting, which is available for free on its website.
Max continued: 'Wildflowers and vegetables are the perfect companions because they don’t compete, but instead support each other by improving pollination, helping control pests and creating a healthier balance in the garden without adding extra work.'
The River Cottage organic seed range is available to buy online at both River Cottage and Seed Revolution's websites, as well as at selected Blue Diamond Garden Centres, with sites in Nailsworth and Moreton-in-Marsh.
