East Kent Growers is helping to rebuild local food economies

We believe that changing the way we produce and distribute food is fundamental to solving the world’s most pressing social and ecological problems.

About East Kent Growers

East Kent Growers is the new name for Walmestone Growers. (Which was originally established in the mid 1980's by the late John Aspinall because he wanted the very best food for his animals at both Howletts and Port Lympne)

East Kent Growers is now independently run by Husband and wife team Paul and Michelle Vesey-Wells

We are quite unique in this part of Kent as we are a small site (8 acres) but we grow a wide range of crops including Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers, Herbs, Beans, Courgettes, Squash, Lettuce, Salad Leaves, Kale, Leeks and Carrots. All the crops grown under glass and polythene are kept clean of pests using Biological Control. We use no insecticides or herbicides, relying on ground cover fabric and hard work to control the weeds. Fertility of the soil is maintained using PAS 100 compost and organic chicken manure.

​We have a small area of tunnels (01. ha) that we grow to Organic standards as well as some of our outdoor areas. We hope to convert more of our site to completely organic over the next few years

Fair prices for farmers and artisan food producers is vital

We pay our suppliers at least 50% of the retail value for any products we buy in, and when dealing with wholesalers, we check to make sure they pay fair prices to their growers.

The benefits of buying local

Local food supports local economies. Food grown in the local community supports local jobs and encourages variety in our diets. It also requires less transportation, so it's fresher and has a smaller environmental footprint.

Fresher food

Reduced food miles

Support local jobs

Respect for the food system

Fewer preservatives

Better value for money

Reduced packaging

We started using Walmestone during lockdown and have been using them ever since, they are a friendly team of people who really try hard to please their customers,the price is good, the quality is good and it's delivered to your door

— Julie from Deal

We've got some great people

Meet some of our committed East Kent Growers crew who work hard to bring you the tastiest local food. If you would like to be part of the team, get in touch.

Get started!

Your first box is only a few clicks away. Get a box of fresh, local food in your kitchen soon, packed with care and supporting your local farmers and artisan producers.