In our ‘From the Plot’ series, we chat to inspiring growers who share their passion and knowledge. This month, Sam from @sams_growingfood reveals how her desire to grow chemical-free food for her children grew into a dream job where she’s helping to create a self-sufficient homestead…
A desire for homegrown food kickstarted my love of gardening
Sam hard at work in a polytunnel
Image courtesy of Sam Williams
Nearly 20 years ago, after a period of ill health and the birth of my 2 daughters, I decided that I wanted to grow my own chemical-free food to nourish our bodies. Nobody I knew grew their own food, so I taught myself.
I started off growing vegetables in my small back garden, which then progressed into running 7 large beds at the local school with the children. I then got a half-allotment plot which sparked my passion, and later upgraded to a whole plot. My hobby soon became my dream job.
I started working at an outdoor education centre, after having worked as a Teaching Assistant for 12 years. I looked after 2 big allotment style gardens with young adults with special needs. We grew food for the farm shop. I then set up a community garden on a quarter of an acre field that we borrowed. I’m now working on a private estate helping the family to grow their own food, managing poultry, bees and creating a homestead.
I keep my gardening honest and educational
Sam likes to keep on top of her routine gardening duties
Images courtesy of Sam Williams
I like to keep my gardening honest and educational – what you see is what you get. I always take a simple approach to growing my own food, and I like to make sure I do everything in a practical and uncomplicated way.
I love growing my own food from seed
Sam tending to young seedlings
Image courtesy of Sam Williams
My garden has been inspired by a passion and desire to grow my own food. I find the seed to plate process highly satisfying, and it continues to satisfy me daily.
I always tell new gardeners not to be scared, as I think it’s best to just go for it – after all, what’s the worst that could happen?
I can’t resist the flavour of squashes
Sam digging over the soil ready for planting
Image courtesy of Sam Williams
I love all vegetables, but I especially love squashes for their great taste, beautiful colour, and amazing winter storage potential. I also love growing onions and chillies, not forgetting potatoes, because who doesn’t love a spud!
I love supporting others with their gardening journeys
Sam with a harvest of leafy vegetables and carrots
Images courtesy of Sam Williams
I’m really proud of the progress I’ve made from being self-taught, and how I’ve upscaled my food growing over the years through sheer determination. I’m also truly grateful to be able to support others with their food growing journey. I recently appeared in series 1 and 2 of ‘Stacey and Joe’ – a BBC1 reality TV show, although I would’ve liked them to have included more of the gardening footage.😄
I want to start a food growing revolution
Sam with a fresh harvest and a celebratory garden-themed cake
Images courtesy of Sam Williams
My biggest plan is perhaps my desire to start a #foodgrowingrevolution.
I’ll also continue to do consultancy work advising others how to grow their own food and run monthly workshops called Together We Grow At Home with The People’s Food & Farming Alliance, a not for profit community interest company.
I have lots of plans, so watch this space!
Grow like Sam
A compact variety, perfect for growing in small spaces
Image: Chilli Pepper ‘Quick Fire’ (medium) from Suttons
If you want to grow like Sam, here are just a few of her favourites:
Follow Sam at @sams_growingfood for ideas and tips on growing colourful, edible crops. To discover more inspirational growers, explore our ‘From the Plot’ series.
